Kulik bill to address abandoned boats on PA waterways heads to governor’s desk
Allegheny County Delegation June 30, 2025 | 4:55 PM
HARRISBURG, June 30 – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, to give communities stronger tools to deal with abandoned and derelict boats on Pennsylvania waterways is now on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk after final concurrence in the state House.
House Bill 103 creates clear definitions for “abandoned,” “at-risk” and “derelict” boats—terms that were previously missing from state law—and gives local authorities a process to investigate, tag and remove problem vessels.
“These boats don’t just sit and rot. They leak fuel, block access, and sometimes even break loose and cause accidents,” Kulik said. “Local officials have been asking for clear authority to deal with this, and this bill finally delivers it. I’m glad to see it heading to the governor’s desk and hope to see it signed into law soon so communities can start putting it to use.”
The bill requires the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and local officials to notify boat owners and give them 14 days to remove, repair or properly store their boat. If owners do not act, authorities can remove the vessel, and municipalities are allowed to recover removal and storage expenses. The bill also increases penalties for abandoning a boat, with more serious consequences for cases that involve significant cleanup costs.
Kulik, who chairs the House Game and Fisheries Committee, added that this legislation is a proactive step to protect public safety and preserve the health of Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams.
The legislation received bipartisan support at every stage, from the House’s initial passage to unanimous approval in the Senate and final House concurrence.
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