The new bill authored by State Sen. Rob Stafsholt aims to prevent boat abandonment that poses hazards to navigation, safety, or the environment in Wisconsin waters, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “prohibiting abandonment of a boat and providing a penalty”.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill prohibits the abandonment of boats on Wisconsin waters or adjacent riparian land without consent. “Abandon” is defined as leaving a boat unattended for over seven consecutive days or in a neglected state posing a hazard to navigation, safety, or environmental health. If a law enforcement officer identifies an abandoned boat, the owner is notified to remove it within 30 days. Failure to do so may result in a fine up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to nine months, or both. The Department of Natural Resources may also require the owner to complete a safety course before operating a boat. An effective date is not specified in the bill.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Shannon Zimmerman (Republican-30th District), Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District), Senator Van H. Wanggaard (Republican-21st District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Representative Cindi Duchow (Republican-97th District), and Representative Chanz J. Green (Republican-74th District), along two other co-sponsors.
Rob Stafsholt has authored or co-authored another 19 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Stafsholt, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 10th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Patty Schachtner.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| SB250 | 05/09/2025 | Prohibiting abandonment of a boat and providing a penalty |
| SB219 | 04/25/2025 | Limitations on ownership of real property in this state by foreign persons. (FE) |
| SB218 | 04/25/2025 | The amount and distribution of the real estate transfer fee, grants under the land information program, real property recording notification systems, and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| SB214 | 04/16/2025 | Registration of out-of-state health care providers to provide telehealth services. (FE) |
| SB158 | 03/27/2025 | County forest administration grant eligibility |
| SB74 | 02/26/2025 | Ratification of the Social Work Licensure Compact. (FE) |
