WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 103

An Act amending Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats; and imposing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Jo Daley and 15 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania authorizes identification, removal, and penalties for derelict and abandoned boats to address environmental hazards and improve water safety.

Act No. 28 of 2025
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 103

Legislative bill overview

HB 103 amends Pennsylvania's Fish statute (Title 30) to establish regulations and enforcement procedures for at-risk, derelict, and abandoned boats. The bill creates a framework for identifying, managing, and removing vessels that pose environmental or safety hazards, and establishes penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Derelict and abandoned boats create significant environmental problems—including fuel and fluid leaks, habitat disruption, and water contamination—while also posing safety and navigation hazards. This legislation gives Pennsylvania authorities clear legal tools to address what had likely been a regulatory gap, potentially improving water quality and public safety across the state's lakes and waterways.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights concerns: Defining and removing "abandoned" vessels raises questions about due process, notice requirements, and compensation for boat owners whose vessels may be seized
  • Funding and enforcement costs: The bill creates new regulatory and removal obligations that may require significant state funding and staff resources to implement effectively
  • Ambiguous definitions: Terms like "at-risk" and "derelict" may lack precise thresholds, creating uncertainty about which boats qualify and potential inconsistent enforcement

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

Sign in to ask a question.