MADISON, WI – Representative Chanz Green (R-Grand View) issued the following statement regarding Assembly Bill 1033, legislation relating to wake boat regulations:
“My position on wake boats is that they should not be banned outright, and that any regulation should include a meaningful local control component. An outright ban could raise constitutional concerns under Wisconsin’s public trust doctrine, which protects citizens’ rights to navigate and enjoy recreational activities on the waters of this state. In fact, there is already ongoing litigation addressing that constitutional question.
At the same time, there is a clear need for reasonable standards and local flexibility. Assembly Bill 1033 accomplishes that goal. The bill establishes a 300-foot operating requirement for wake boats from any person in the water or any occupied vessel. It also sets a 300-foot standard for wake boats operating near a shoreline or structures such as docks, piers, boathouses, or other water-adjacent structures.
Importantly, the bill preserves local control. If a local government wants to adopt stricter standards, for example, a 500-foot setback and a 20-foot depth requirement, it may do so. Under current law, local ordinances must still be submitted to the DNR for advisory review to determine consistency with Chapter 30 of the Wisconsin Statutes, that includes considerations related to public health, safety, welfare, and the preservation of natural resources.
This bill still ensures local governments retain authority to regulate boating activities, including speed limits, time-of-day restrictions, location-based activity limits, and safety requirements such as requiring an observer when towing a skier, subject to DNR review.
Even the nonpartisan legislative attorneys agree that this bill doesn’t preempt local control. In their memo, they state, ‘The draft makes no change to current law relating to local government authority to regulate wakesurfing. As a result, under this draft, while local governments may not regulate wakesurfing in a manner that is less restrictive than the statute, they may regulate wakesurfing in a manner identical to or, if DNR approves in its advisory review of the ordinance, more restrictive than the statute.’
With that in mind, and based on the information I’ve received, I will be voting in favor of Assembly Bill 1033.”
Last Update: Feb 12, 2026 2:28 pm CST
