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Bill

SB 250

Relating to: prohibiting abandonment of a boat and providing a penalty.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by LaTonya Johnson and 3 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill criminalizes abandoning boats on waterways and establishes penalties to deter vessel owners from leaving derelict boats that pose safety and environmental risks.

Representative J. Jacobson added as a cosponsor
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Bill Summary · SB 250

Legislative bill overview

SB 250 establishes a criminal prohibition against abandoning boats in Wisconsin and creates penalties for violators. The bill specifically targets the practice of leaving derelict vessels on public or private waters without authorization or intent to retrieve them.

Why is this important

Abandoned boats create public safety hazards, environmental contamination risks, and navigation obstacles in Wisconsin's waterways. The bill addresses a growing problem where vessel owners leave damaged or unwanted boats behind, shifting cleanup and disposal costs to municipalities, property owners, and taxpayers.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill's precise definition of "abandonment" and the timeframe required before a boat is legally considered abandoned may be ambiguous, creating enforcement challenges and potential disputes over borderline cases
  • Penalty proportionality: Questions about whether criminal penalties (versus civil fines or administrative remedies) are appropriate for what some may view as a property management issue rather than a serious crime
  • Enforcement burden: Implementation may fall on local law enforcement and waterway patrol agencies that lack resources, training, or jurisdiction to effectively enforce boat abandonment laws across all waters

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

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