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HF 323

A bill for an act relating to enclosed structures on private docks and required insurance.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brent Siegrist and 1 co-sponsor

HF 323 allows enclosed structures on private docks for marine equipment under strict size, code, and requires at least $1,000,000 per-occurrence dock liability insurance.

Introduced, referred to Natural Resources.
#buildings #docks #insurance
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Bill Summary · HF 323

HF 323 — Summary

Bill number: HF 323
Title: A bill for an act relating to enclosed structures on private docks and required insurance
Status: Introduced and referred to Natural Resources (Introduced February 11, 2025)
Sponsors: SIEGRIST and TUREK (primary)

Purpose and intent

HF 323 creates a new statutory provision governing the construction of enclosed structures on private docks and establishes an insurance requirement for the dock owner. The bill aims to permit protective enclosures for hoists or slips on private docks while specifying materials, size, and code compliance, and ensuring financial responsibility for potential damages.

Key provisions

  • New section: 462A.27B Dock structures — insurance

    • A person who has:
    • a valid dock site permit, and
    • hoist or slip assignment may construct an enclosed structure to protect a hoist or slip if all of the following conditions are met:
      • Enclosed structure is built with rust-resistant materials.
      • Enclosed structure is no more than 30 feet wide.
      • Enclosed structure is no more than 20 feet above the normal water elevation surrounding the dock.
      • The structure contains no plumbing, electricity, or enclosed storage areas, except for plumbing and electricity that comply with all applicable building code requirements, including:
      • State plumbing code established under section 105.4
      • State building code established under section 103A.7
      • The structure is used only to support marine equipment.
      • The enclosed structure is not used for sleeping or habitation by a person.
    • Insurance requirement (Subsection 2):
    • To install an enclosed structure under Subsection 1, the owner must maintain dock liability insurance with a minimum per-occurrence coverage of at least $1,000,000.
    • The owner of the private dock is liable for any damages caused by the enclosed structure on the dock.

  • Explanatory note: The bill explains its relation to enclosed structures on private docks and the requirement for dock liability insurance, clarifying eligibility (valid dock site permit and hoist/slip assignment) and the design/code standards.

Who is affected

  • Private dock owners with a valid dock site permit and a transferable or assignable hoist/slip designation.
  • Potentially nearby property owners and the broader community through implications for liability and dock safety.
  • Insurance providers that issue dock liability policies, due to the new minimum coverage requirement.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Status indicates introduction date (February 11, 2025) and referral to the Natural Resources committee. No further procedural steps or committee actions are specified in the provided text.

Potential impact

  • Safety and code compliance: Encourages rust-resistant construction and adherence to building and plumbing codes.
  • Liability and financial responsibility: Establishes a $1 million per-occurrence insurance minimum and places liability for damages on the dock owner.
  • Physical limits: Sets explicit size and height constraints for enclosed structures, limiting scope to non-habitable, equipment-support purposes.

Overall, HF 323 seeks to formalize the allowance of protective enclosures on private docks under strict structural, code, and insurance conditions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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