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SB 146

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elaine Morgan and 4 co-sponsors

Prohibits wake surfing on Lake Glenville within 500 ft of shore or structures; violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor with at least $100 fine, effective Oct 1, 2025.

05/14/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 146

SB 146 — Lake Glenville / Restrict Wake Surfing

Status: Introduced Jan 23, 2025; Passed 1st Reading (Feb 25, 2025). If enacted, becomes effective Oct 1, 2025 and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Main purpose

To prohibit wake surfing under specified circumstances on Lake Glenville (Jackson County, NC) in order to reduce hazards to swimmers, small craft, shoreline structures, and other lake users caused by artificially enlarged wakes.

Key provisions

  • Definition: "Wake surfing" is defined as operating a motorboat (per G.S. 75A‑2) with added stern weight (e.g., water‑filled tanks or ballast) to create an artificially enlarged wake intended to be surfed by a person towed behind the boat.
  • Geographic scope: Applies only to the waters of Lake Glenville in Jackson County.
  • Prohibition: Wake surfing is prohibited within 500 feet of any shoreline or any structure, moored vessel, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or swimmer.
  • Penalty: Violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries a mandatory minimum fine of $100 in addition to any other penalties applicable to that offense.
  • Enforcement: Enforceable by Wildlife Resources Commission law enforcement officers, county sheriffs and deputies, and other peace officers with general jurisdiction.

Who is affected

  • Recreational boat operators and passengers who engage in wake surfing on Lake Glenville.
  • Commercial or recreational businesses offering tow‑sports on the lake.
  • Other lake users (swimmers, paddlers, moored vessels, shoreline residents) who may benefit from reduced risk and disturbance.
  • Local law enforcement and the Wildlife Resources Commission (responsible for enforcement).

Intended impact and considerations

  • Safety: Aims to reduce collisions, swamping of small craft, injuries to swimmers, and property damage near shore caused by large artificial wakes.
  • Localized scope: The restriction is narrowly tailored to a single lake (Lake Glenville), so statewide boating rules are unchanged.
  • Enforcement/practical issues: Measuring distance (500 feet) and proving added ballast or intent could present enforcement challenges; boating businesses and users may need education and signage.
  • Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor status makes violations criminal with monetary penalty and potential further consequences under state law.

Legislative/timeline notes

  • Introduced Jan 23, 2025; passed its first reading Feb 25, 2025 (per bill metadata).
  • If the bill ultimately passes both houses and is signed, its statutory effective date is Oct 1, 2025 and it applies to conduct from that date forward.

For local residents or lake users seeking to comply: avoid creating or surfing artificially enlarged wakes within 500 feet of shorelines, structures, moored or nonmotorized craft, and swimmers on Lake Glenville once the law is in effect.

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

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