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SF2735 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Abandoned boats removal and disposal requirement provision

Related bill: HF2580

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to address the issue of abandoned boats on Minnesota waters and adjacent properties, establishing responsibilities for their removal and disposal. It introduces penalties for failing to manage abandoned boats, aiming to protect natural resources and ensure waterway safety.

Main Provisions

  • Tagging Authority and Notification: Authorized personnel can tag boats unlawfully situated or in a state suggesting abandonment. Within 48 hours of tagging, they must notify the boat's registered owner via certified mail, explaining the need to address the issue immediately.

  • Owner's Responsibility: Owners have 14 days to rectify the tagged condition. Failing to do so constitutes a misdemeanor and may result in criminal charges and financial liabilities.

  • Penalties and Costs: Owners who do not comply are financially responsible for all costs incurred by the state for the boat's removal and face a civil penalty. This penalty is determined as a multiple of the state's removal costs.

  • Seizure of Abandoned Boats: If the condition remains unaddressed post-notification, the state can seize and forfeit these boats. This ensures boats are not hazards or nuisances.

  • Private Property Respect: Officers need permission, a warrant, or a court order to remove boats on private land.

  • Relation to Other Laws: The bill aligns with existing statute-related submerged abandoned boats, ensuring comprehensive management of abandonment situations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Property Subject to Seizure: Amends existing statutes to clarify that abandoned boats can be seized and administratively forfeited.

  • License Restrictions: Introduces consequences for convicted individuals, including voiding various licenses (game, fish, watercraft) until reimbursement of state costs.

Relevant Terms

  • Abandoned boats
  • Environmental enforcement
  • Civil and criminal penalties
  • Boat tagging and seizure
  • License voiding and registration restrictions

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
April 02, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toJudiciary and Public Safety
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass and re-referred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes abandoned boats under the criteria for property seizure."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies provisions related to property subject to seizure and forfeiture under section 97A.223 subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.223",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces license and registration restrictions post-conviction for abandoning a boat."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation adds a new subdivision to section 97A.421 regarding restrictions after a conviction for abandoning a boat.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.421",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors