Wisconsin Senate Bill SB250

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/25
• Refer: 5/9/25

Caption

Prohibiting abandonment of a boat and providing a penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB250 will establish clear penalties for abandoning a boat, which may include fines up to $10,000 and possible imprisonment for up to nine months. Additionally, once a law enforcement officer identifies an abandoned boat, the owner will have 30 days to remove it following notification. Should the owner fail to act, the Department of Natural Resources or local law enforcement can remove the boat at the owner's expense, emphasizing the responsibility placed on boat owners to manage their vessels properly.

Summary

Senate Bill 250 aims to prohibit the abandonment of boats on state waters and adjacent riparian lands in Wisconsin. The bill defines abandonment as leaving a boat unattended for more than seven consecutive days without intent to maintain it, or allowing a boat to be partially submerged or in disrepair. The intention behind this legislation is to enhance public safety, protect the environment, and ensure the navigability of waterways by eliminating hazardous abandoned vessels.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill is essential for maintaining clean and safe waterways, critics may contend that the penalties are too harsh, particularly for boaters who may face financial hardships. There's potential concern about the enforcement of such laws and how they may disproportionately affect recreational boaters, which could lead to debates on the balance between safety and the burden placed on individuals. Stakeholders may also discuss the practicality of notifying owners and the effectiveness of the measures in addressing the issues of abandoned boats.