Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to regulate the use of public road ends that terminate at lakes, ponds, flowages, rivers, or streams. It seeks to prevent obstructions at these locations to ensure easy public access to waterways.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Public Road End: The bill defines a public road end as the endpoint of any legally open public road that ends at a water body like a lake or river.

• Prohibited Uses: The bill prohibits several activities at public road ends unless specifically allowed by a recorded deed or easement. These activities include:

  1. Installing or using any boat hoists or anchorage devices.
  2. Mooring or docking a boat overnight, specifically between midnight and sunrise.
  3. Engaging in any activity that blocks access to or from the water.
  4. Constructing or maintaining docks or wharfs unless they are single seasonal structures owned by a municipality or county.

Enforcement and Penalties

• Criminal Penalties: Violating the prohibitions of this bill is considered a misdemeanor offense. Each day the violation continues is treated as a separate offense, potentially leading to multiple charges.

Relevant Terms

• Public road end
• Obstruction
• Boat hoist
• Mooring
• Dock
• Wharf
• Misdemeanor