Lawmakers Push Stricter Penalties for Abandoned Boats
Minnesota and Wisconsin legislators are introducing new bills to address the growing problem of abandoned watercraft in the region. The proposed legislation comes after the high-profile case of the *Sweet Destiny*, a 54-foot yacht that has been stranded on Beer Can Island in the St. Croix River for months. The incident has drawn public attention and highlighted gaps in current regulations.
Wisconsin’s proposed bill would impose significant penalties on negligent boat owners, including fines up to $10,000 and potential jail time. State Rep. Shannon Zimmerman emphasized the environmental and safety concerns posed by abandoned vessels, noting the legislation would give owners 30 days to remove their property before facing consequences. The bill would also allow revocation of outdoor recreation licenses for offenders.
In Minnesota, Sen. Judy Seeberger’s bill would make boat abandonment a misdemeanor offense. The proposal includes provisions to suspend offenders’ hunting and fishing licenses until cleanup costs are paid. While the bill has faced some Republican opposition over government overreach concerns, it recently cleared its first committee hearing with bipartisan support.
Hudson Mayor Rich O’Connor has been a vocal advocate for the legislation after his city struggled with the *Sweet Destiny* situation. The yacht’s owner, an Alabama treasure hunter, claims financial hardship prevents him from removing the vessel. The case has become a rallying point for stronger regulations to prevent similar incidents.
Both states report dozens of abandoned boats annually, with many cases handled by local law enforcement. The proposed bills aim to create consistent enforcement mechanisms and deter future negligence, protecting waterways and reducing burdens on municipalities. Officials hope the legislation will be enacted before the summer boating season begins.
