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House approves bill limiting long-term occupancy and unattended vessels on sovereign lands
Summary
Senate Bill 33 sets time limits for occupancy and unattended vessels on state sovereign lands (15 days for camping; 48–72 hours for anchored/beached vessels in place) and authorizes state patrol of such lands; representatives asked about private docks and penalties before the House passed the bill 52–19.
Representative Noel presented Senate Bill 33 to give state sovereign lands authorities clearer tools to manage extended campsite occupancy and unattended or anchored vessels. The bill establishes that people staying on sovereign lands longer than 15 days may be subject to state action; anchored or beached vessels left in the same location for periods longer than 48 (anchored/beached vehicle) or 72 hours (vessel) without movement could be treated as unattended and addressed by authorities.
Representative Webb asked whether private docks and typical docked boats that remain tied while owners are away would fall under the new restrictions; Noel clarified that private docks are not sovereign lands and that the bill’s amendments had been crafted to avoid impacting private docks. Members also raised questions about class B misdemeanor penalties referenced in statute; the sponsor noted the bill aligns with existing statutory penalty structures.
After discussion and summation, the House passed SB33 with 52 yes votes and 19 no votes; the bill will be returned to the Senate for the signature of its president.
If enacted, the law will be applied by state sovereign-lands authorities and could affect management practices at recreation sites and lakeshore areas.
