Senate Bill 250 aims to prohibit the abandonment of boats on state waters or adjacent riparian land in Wisconsin. The bill defines "abandon" as leaving a boat unattended for more than seven consecutive days without intent to return, or leaving a boat in a state of disrepair that poses a hazard to navigation, public safety, or environmental health. If a law enforcement officer identifies an abandoned boat, they must notify the owner, who is then required to remove the boat within 30 days. Failure to do so can result in penalties, including imprisonment for up to nine months and fines up to $10,000.

The bill also introduces new legal provisions under sections 30.542 and 30.80 (7) of the statutes. Specifically, it establishes that individuals violating the abandonment prohibition may face fines and imprisonment, and it mandates that violators must complete a safety course before operating a boat. Additionally, if a boat is deemed a hazard, it can be removed immediately by the Department of Natural Resources or local law enforcement without prior notice. The bill emphasizes the responsibility of boat owners to maintain their vessels and outlines the consequences for neglecting this duty.