Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to address and manage issues related to abandoned boats in Minnesota's waters. It seeks to enforce removal and disposal of these boats, impose penalties on owners who fail to comply, and ensure that abandoned boats do not pose a risk to the environment or public safety.

Main Provisions

• Tagging and Notice: Authorized officers can tag a boat if it's unlawfully located, inoperable, neglected, or a potential hazard (e.g., unmoored or at risk of sinking). They must inform the commissioner within 48 hours, who will then notify the boat owner.
• Owner Responsibilities: Boat owners must address the issues leading to the tagging within 14 days or face criminal and civil penalties, including possible boat forfeiture.
• Seizure: If the owner does not comply, or no owner can be determined, the state can seize and forfeit the boat.
• Private Property: Officers need permission, a warrant, or a court order to enter private property for tagging or removing a boat.
• Submerged Boats: Boats that become submerged are subject to additional regulations under Minnesota law.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Introduces both criminal and civil penalties for owners who do not address the tagged boat condition. The civil penalty may range from twice to five times the removal and disposal costs.
• New Forfeiture Rules: Allow abandoned boats to be seized and forfeited administratively.
• License Restrictions: Upon conviction for failing to address a tagged boat, a person’s game and fish licenses, watercraft, off-highway vehicle, and snowmobile licenses become void until they reimburse related costs. Restrictions may extend to neighboring jurisdictions for boats abandoned in boundary waters.

Relevant Terms

• Abandoned Boats
• Seizure and Forfeiture
• Civil Penalties
• Criminal Penalties
• Private Property
• License and Registration Restrictions