Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1025

Introduced
2/12/26  
Refer
2/12/26  

Caption

An Act to renumber and amend 30.69 (1) (b); to amend 30.69 (1) (a) (intro.), 30.69 (3) (d) and 30.74 (1) (a); to create 30.01 (1ag), 30.01 (1ah), 30.01 (6r) and 30.69 (3) (cm) of the statutes; Relating to: the regulation of wakesurfing and providing a penalty.

Impact

The bill mandates that individuals engaging in wakesurfing must adhere to several safety guidelines, including maintaining a distance of at least 200 feet from shorelines and occupied vessels. Additionally, it necessitates that those wakesurfing wear personal flotation devices. These rules aim to reduce incidents of accidents and increase compliance with existing boating safety protocols, aligning wakesurfing with already regulated activities such as water skiing and aquaplaning.

Summary

Senate Bill 1025 introduces new regulations surrounding wakesurfing activities in Wisconsin, establishing a framework intended to enhance safety on waterways. The bill defines 'wakesurfing' as surfing on the wake created by a motorboat, which can occur whether a person is being towed or not. This distinction allows the state to categorize wakesurfing under existing water skiing safety regulations, laying out specific operational guidelines intended to mitigate risks associated with this water sport.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the enforcement of these rules, especially among recreational boaters who may view the regulations as overly restrictive. The bill includes provisions for exceptions during sanctioned wakesurfing tournaments or trials, indicating a recognition of the activity's competitive nature and its economic significance. Opponents of similar regulations in the past have argued that increased restrictions can disincentivize boating recreation, thus impacting local economies that depend on tourism and water sports.

Additional_notes

Overall, SB1025 reflects a growing acknowledgment of wakesurfing as a recognized activity that necessitates specific regulations to ensure public safety. It also underscores the importance of educating the boating community, as the bill adds wakesurfing content to established boating safety courses. As discussions around the bill progress, stakeholders will likely continue to examine its implications on both safety and local recreational practices.

Companion Bills

WI AB1033

Crossfiled An Act to renumber and amend 30.69 (1) (b); to amend 30.69 (1) (a) (intro.), 30.69 (3) (d) and 30.74 (1) (a); to create 30.01 (1ag), 30.01 (1ah), 30.01 (6r) and 30.69 (3) (cm) of the statutes; Relating to: the regulation of wakesurfing and providing a penalty.

Previously Filed As

WI AB1033

The regulation of wakesurfing and providing a penalty.

WI HB5851

Natural resources: wetlands; rare and imperiled wetlands; update. Amends sec. 30301 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30301).

WI HB5536

Natural resources: wetlands; definition of wetland; update. Amends secs. 30301, 30307 & 30308 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30301 et seq.).

WI AB100

An act to amend the Budget Act of 2023 (Chapters 12, 38, and 189 of the Statutes of 2023) by amending Items 5227-122-0001 and 7502-495 of Section 2.

WI AB2232

An act to add and repeal Section 3069.6 of the Penal Code, relating to parole.

WI HB483

An Act to amend and reenact § 32.1-276.7:1 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 32.1 a chapter numbered 7.3, consisting of sections numbered 32.1-276.12, 32.1-276.13, and 32.1-276.14, and by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 34 of Title 54.1 a section numbered 54.1-3431.1, relating to prescription drug affordability advisory panel established; maximum fair price; annual reports; civil penalties.

WI HB1359

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 18.2-308.2:2 and 18.2-308.2:5 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 18.2-308.2:6, relating to firearm purchase requirements; penalties.

WI HB1179

Transportation; changes various provisions of existing funds, etc.

WI HB1179

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 33.2-359, 33.2-371, 33.2-1526, 33.2-1526.1, 33.2-3102, 33.2-3401, 33.2-3402, 33.2-3403, 33.2-3502, 46.2-774, and 46.2-2099.48 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1904.1, by adding in Article 11 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1937, by adding in Chapter 24 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-2402, by adding in Chapter 7 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-775, by adding a section numbered 58.1-603.3, and by adding in Chapter 17 of Title 58.1 articles numbered 13, 14, and 15, consisting of sections numbered 58.1-1749, 58.1-1750, and 58.1-1751; and to repeal § 33.2-3100.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to transportation funding.

WI HB145

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-3705.3, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 37.2-314.2, 52-53, 58.1-4015.1, 58.1-4030, and 58.1-4103 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 3 of Title 11 a section numbered 11-16.3 and by adding in Title 58.1 a chapter numbered 42, consisting of sections numbered 58.1-4200 through 58.1-4214; and to repeal Chapter 51 (§§ 59.1-556 through 59.1-570) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to regulation and taxation of fantasy contests.

Similar Bills

WI AB1033

The regulation of wakesurfing and providing a penalty.

WI SB1024

The regulation of wake-enhanced boating; ordinances restricting wake-enhanced boating; and civil immunity for local regulation of wake-enhanced boating.

WI AB1045

The regulation of wake-enhanced boating; ordinances restricting wake-enhanced boating; and civil immunity for local regulation of wake-enhanced boating.

CT SB00313

An Act Concerning Wakesurfing On Certain Lakes In The State.

AR HB1857

To Amend The Law Concerning The Collection Of Sales And Use Tax On The Sale Of A New Or Used Motorboat; And To Provide For The Direct Payment Of Sales And Use Tax On A Motorboat Sold By A Motorboat Dealer.

AR SB638

To Amend The Law Concerning The Collection Of Sales And Use Tax On The Sale Of A New Or Used Motorboat; And To Provide For The Direct Payment Of Sales And Use Tax On A Motorboat Sold By A Motorboat Dealer.

AR SB49

To Amend The Law Concerning The Collection Of Sales And Use Tax On Motor Vehicles, Trailers, Semitrailers, And Motorboats, As Affirmed By Referred Act 19 Of 1958; And To Subject Certain Used Motorboats To A Special Rate Of Tax.

WI SB1064

Carbon monoxide detection systems on motorboats and providing a penalty. (FE)