Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1064

Introduced
2/26/26  
Refer
2/26/26  

Caption

An Act to amend 30.80 (1); to create 30.50 (2m), 30.52 (5) (c), 30.62 (7) and 30.80 (7) of the statutes; Relating to: carbon monoxide detection systems on motorboats and providing a penalty. (FE)

Summary

SB1064 would require certain motorboats with enclosed accommodation compartments to be equipped with a functioning marine carbon monoxide detection system and to display a carbon monoxide warning sticker in plain view inside the enclosed space. It also prohibits the sale of a new motorboat with an enclosed accommodation compartment unless those safety features are installed, and it defines key terms such as “cabin motorboat,” “enclosed accommodation compartment,” and “marine carbon monoxide detection system.” The bill also directs the Department of Natural Resources to provide printed information on the dangers of carbon monoxide and boating when issuing motorboat registration or certificate-of-number cards. For cabin motorboats, DNR would also provide a warning sticker at no additional cost, with the department authorized to produce its own sticker or use one approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The bill establishes a forfeiture penalty of up to $300 for second or subsequent violations of the new operating and sales requirements and applies the new rules to motorboats sold, registered, or operated on the effective date.

Impact

The bill would create new statutory requirements in ch. 30 governing motorboat operation and sales, adding safety equipment and warning-label mandates for boats with enclosed sleeping or living spaces. It would also amend the general penalty provision in s. 30.80 to account for the new offense and authorize enforcement through forfeitures, while imposing an administrative duty on DNR to distribute carbon monoxide safety information and stickers during registration processing. The practical effect is to expand state boating safety law to address carbon monoxide exposure risks on cabin-style motorboats and to affect boat owners, dealers, and the Department of Natural Resources.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded votes, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to gauge support or opposition. Based on the bill’s subject matter and structure, it appears to be a safety-oriented measure focused on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning on boats, with an emphasis on consumer information and equipment standards rather than broader regulatory change. The fiscal note was received, indicating the bill had advanced at least to the point of fiscal review, but no formal sentiment from legislators is available in the provided materials.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials because there are no committee discussion transcripts or votes. Potential areas of debate, based on the text alone, would likely include the cost and feasibility of requiring carbon monoxide detection systems on new motorboats, the burden on boat dealers and owners, and whether the sticker and information requirements are sufficient or should be broader. The bill also leaves room for discussion about enforcement and whether the $300 forfeiture for repeat violations is an adequate deterrent.

Companion Bills

WI AB1106

Crossfiled An Act to amend 30.80 (1); to create 30.50 (2m), 30.52 (5) (c), 30.62 (7) and 30.80 (7) of the statutes; Relating to: carbon monoxide detection systems on motorboats and providing a penalty. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB1106

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

WI LD2012

An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Carbon Monoxide Detectors

WI SB259

Providing for standards for carbon monoxide alarms in schools; and imposing penalties.

WI SB258

Providing for standards for carbon monoxide alarms in dormitories; and imposing penalties.

WI SB256

Providing for standards for carbon monoxide alarms in child care facilities; and imposing penalties.

WI AB1107

Requiring carbon monoxide detectors in child care centers and schools, grants for placing carbon monoxide detectors in schools, and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB1065

Requiring carbon monoxide detectors in child care centers and schools, grants for placing carbon monoxide detectors in schools, and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB257

Providing for standards for carbon monoxide alarms in certain lodging establishments; and imposing penalties.

WI HB3209

Relating to carbon monoxide detectors in certain properties.

WI S3609

Requires carbon monoxide detectors in school buildings.

Similar Bills

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 AB1106

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

MT HB468

Generally revise laws related to watercraft.

UT SB0157

New Motorboat Distributor Act

IN HB1423

Wake boarding and wake surfing.

OR SB301

Relating to boats.