Senate Approves New Safety Regs For Duck Boats 

A Duck Boat gives tourists a scenic ride along State Street in downtown Boston on Wednesday, April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)

BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Senate has approved a bill setting new safety regulations for amphibious sightseeing vehicles, more commonly known as duck boats.

The measure, passed by senators Thursday during a lightly-attended informal session, would require all duck boat operators to separate the responsibilities of driver and tour guide. It also calls for blind spot cameras and proximity sensors on all the vehicles.

The bill was filed following the April death of 28-year-old Allison Warmuth, who was struck and killed by a Boston Duck Tours vehicle while riding a scooter near Boston Common.

The company has since announced that it will have separate drivers and tour guides on all of its duck boats starting next year.

The duck boats have become increasingly popular in recent years around the country. In Hyannis, Cape Cod Duckmobiles Land and Sea Tours operates amphibious vehicles along Main St. and in Hyannis Harbor.

It’s unclear if the House will take up the Senate-passed bill before the Legislature ends formal sessions on Sunday.