The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 211, which defines the term “junk watercraft vessel or outboard motor” and prohibits leaving junk watercraft/outboard motor on property. This legislation gives local authorities the same tools to address this problem as they would a junk vehicle.

“In marinas, campgrounds, and private properties throughout Ohio, abandoned boats currently sit and deteriorate because of a complicated process in place to obtain titles to these vessels,” said sponsor Rep. Steve Arndt of Port Clinton. “House Bill 211 is needed legislation that would simplify this process and help property owners and communities throughout the state remove these junk watercraft from their properties.”

HB 211 defines a junk watercraft vessel or outboard motor as any vessel that is three years or older, is apparently inoperable, and has a fair market value of $1,500 or less.

House Bill 211 passed the Ohio House with 90-0 and now heads to the Ohio Senate.