summary
Introduced
05/08/2025
05/08/2025
In Committee
05/08/2025
05/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits a person from abandoning a boat on the waters of this state or upon adjacent riparian land. XAbandonY is defined to mean 1) leaving a boat unattended, without demonstrated intent to return to or moor or maintain the boat, for a period of more than seven consecutive days, or 2) leaving a boat that is partially submerged, in a state of disrepair, or otherwise neglected such that the boat presents a hazard to navigation, public safety, or environmental health and the owner has failed to take reasonable actions to remove or maintain the boat. Under the bill, if a law enforcement officer determines that a boat has been abandoned, the officer must notify the owner, who must remove the boat within 30 days. If the boat remains abandoned after that period, the owner is subject to imprisonment for up to nine months and a fine of up to $10,000, or both. In addition, the Department of Natural Resources shall require the person to obtain a certificate of satisfactory completion of a safety course before operating a boat.
AI Summary
This bill establishes new regulations to prevent boat abandonment in Wisconsin by defining abandonment as either leaving a boat unattended for more than seven consecutive days or leaving a boat in a condition that poses a hazard to navigation, public safety, or environmental health. Under the new law, boat owners are prohibited from abandoning boats on state waters or adjacent riparian lands without landowner consent. If a law enforcement officer determines a boat has been abandoned, they must issue a written notice to the last known owner requiring boat removal within 30 days. Failure to remove the boat can result in significant penalties, including a fine up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to nine months, or both. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources will require the boat owner to complete a safety course and may immediately remove, impound, or dispose of boats that present an immediate hazard. The bill aims to protect public waterways, ensure boating safety, and hold boat owners accountable for the proper maintenance and disposal of their vessels.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (12)
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Cindi Duchow (R)*,
Chanz Green (R)*,
Rick Gundrum (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
Lisa Subeck (D)*,
Shannon Zimmerman (R)*,
LaTonya Johnson (D),
Steve Nass (R),
Rob Stafsholt (R),
Van Wanggaard (R),
Last Action
Read first time and referred to Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation (on 05/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab249 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB249.pdf |
Loading...