All Roll Calls
Yes: 0 • No: 0
ConnecticutHB 053322026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN BOATING REGULATIONS.
Sponsored By: Environment Committee
Signed by Governor
Summary
To prohibit the act of extending one's limbs over the gunwale of a vessel while it is in operation, increase the abandoned vessel fine and authorize the recovery of costs associated with abandoned vessels for state and local law enforcement agencies.
environment
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Higher fines and costs for abandoners
Starting May 20, 2026, people who abandon vessels face a $750 to $1,000 fine per violation, up from $300 to $500. Claimants with standing can seek unpaid costs tied to the abandonment. State and town law enforcement agencies with standing can also seek cleanup, removal, legal, and court costs. The fine does not apply when abandonment during a declared emergency results from the conditions that caused it. Abandoned-vessel notices filed with DEEP must be notarized and use DEEP forms; they can be filed in person, by mail, by paid delivery service, or electronically. The filing fee is $20, but the state, towns, and their law enforcement agencies do not pay it or need notarization. People who handle abandoned vessels in good faith and without malicious intent are protected from civil liability for processing, storing, or moving them.
Boat owners must display contact details
Starting May 20, 2026, owners must put current, valid contact information on vessels placed on Connecticut waters, in the form DEEP sets. This rule does not apply to vessels with a valid certificate of number from Connecticut, another state, or the federal government.
New certificate rules for watercraft
Starting May 20, 2026, anyone operating a personal watercraft or jet ski-like aquatic device on state waters must have a DEEP-issued operation certificate. People under 16 cannot operate these watercraft, and owners cannot knowingly allow uncertified operation. For permitted marine events, the DEEP commissioner can change or suspend the age or certificate rules. Events in waters under Coast Guard jurisdiction also need Coast Guard authorization.
Boat operators must stop risky riding
Starting May 20, 2026, operators of recreational motorboats under power cannot allow passengers to sit on the gunwale with one or both legs outside it. They also cannot allow passengers to stand on the gunwale when the boat is moving faster than slow-no-wake speed.
More waterskiing time at Wyassup Lake
Starting May 20, 2026, motorboats on Wyassup Lake can travel faster than 8 miles per hour from the Saturday before Memorial Day through September 15, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Waterskiing and towing a skier are allowed during that window. They remain banned between the islands and the east shore.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Environment Committee
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Aundre Bumgardner
Democratic • House
Irene M. Haines
Republican • House
John-Michael Parker
Democratic • House
Patrick E. Callahan
Republican • House
Tom Delnicki
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/13/2026
House Roll Call Vote 227 AS AMENDED
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/13/2026
ENV Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/13/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 357
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Bill Text
Public Act No. 26-60
5/4/2026
File No. 238
3/30/2026
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute
3/13/2026
Raised Bill
2/26/2026
Bill Analysis For File Copy 238
Bill Analysis for HB-5332, as amended by House "A"
ENV Joint Fav. Rpt
ENV Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)
Fiscal Note For File Copy 238
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4384 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4542 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 5780 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for HB-5332, As Amended by House "A" (LCO 5780)
House LCO Amendment #4384 (J)
House LCO Amendment #4542 (J)
House Roll Call Vote 227 AS AMENDED
House Schedule A LCO# 5780 (J)
Senate Roll Call Vote 357
Summary for Public Act No. 26-60
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