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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 2, 2024 09:39 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Anita Astorino Kulik |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Addressing the Issue of Abandoned and Derelict Boats |
| Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) are boats that are no longer cared for and, in many instances, are simply left indefinitely at a dock or along the shoreline of a waterway. Ownership can often be hard to determine, and these boats may stay moored in place for long periods of time, sink, or be washed away posing a significant threat to public safety and the environment. Moreover, ADVs in the Commonwealth can block navigable channels and pollute public waterways, negatively impacting both public recreation and wildlife. Removing an ADV is often a complicated and expensive process, which may fall on local governments. In addition, first responders are put in dangerous situations when an ADV is washed downstream, and an investigation must be conducted to determine if any individuals were on board and in need of rescue. Fuel, and other hazardous materials from ADVs, can leak into our waterways, and the debris and pollution generated from deteriorating materials such as plastics, fiberglass, and other synthetics may continue to further breakdown and persist in waterways for decades. Therefore, in the near future, I will be introducing legislation that would increase the penalty for abandoning a boat from a summary offense to a third-degree misdemeanor. In addition, the legislation would provide definitions for “abandoned boats,” “at-risk boats,” and “derelict boats,” which do not exist under current law, and would allow municipalities and local law enforcement to investigate instances of ADVs within their jurisdiction. Our waterways are a public resource, meant to be enjoyed and accessible for all. However, ADVs threaten the environment and public safety, may pollute aquatic resources and public drinking water supplies, and reduce the accessibility of Pennsylvania’s waterways for recreational purposes. Please join me in support of this legislation that would address this important issue. |