Bill > SB250

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations regarding boat abandonment in Wisconsin, defining abandonment as either leaving a boat unattended for more than seven consecutive days without intent to return, or leaving a boat in such a neglected condition that it poses risks 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 boat's last known owner, requiring removal within 30 days. Failure to remove the boat can result in significant penalties, including potential imprisonment for up to nine months and a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources will require the owner to complete a boat safety course, and if the owner already has a valid safety certificate, it will be permanently revoked. The bill empowers local law enforcement and the department to remove, impound, or dispose of abandoned boats, especially if they present an immediate hazard, and the boat's owner will be liable for all associated removal, storage, and disposal costs. This legislation aims to prevent environmental damage, ensure public safety, and promote responsible boat ownership by creating clear consequences for boat abandonment.

Budget and Finance

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb250