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 then has 30 days to remove the boat. 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 penalties for violating the abandonment prohibition, including the requirement for offenders to complete a safety course before operating a boat. Additionally, if a boat is deemed abandoned and poses a hazard, authorities may remove it immediately without prior notice. The bill holds owners liable for costs incurred by the Department of Natural Resources or local law enforcement for the removal, storage, or disposal of abandoned boats.