The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5332, introduces new boating regulations effective October 1, 2026. It prohibits individuals from extending any limb over the gunwale of a vessel while it is in operation, with violators facing a fine of one hundred dollars. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding abandoned vessels by increasing the fine for abandonment from three hundred dollars to seven hundred fifty dollars, with a maximum fine raised from five hundred dollars to one thousand dollars, unless the abandonment occurs during a declared emergency.

Furthermore, the bill allows the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to recover reasonable costs from the last recorded owner of an abandoned vessel for its recovery and any associated environmental remediation by state or municipal law enforcement agencies. This legislation aims to enhance safety on the water and address the issue of abandoned vessels more effectively.