Minnesota’s New Boating Law Requirements Begin July 1
June 20, 2025 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Starting on July 1, a new law will require some Minnesota boaters to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit in order to operate a motorboat. The new law, passed in 2023, is designed to increase safety on Minnesota’s lakes and rivers as well as educate people on the environmental impacts of boating. Here’s what you need to know. Who Is Affected? Boaters born after June 30, 2004, aged 12 years or older, will need a valid watercraft operator’s permit to drive any motorboat or personal watercraft. This requirement goes into place on July 1, 2025, but the requirement will gradually extend to older age groups through 2028. People without a permit can still operate a boat as long as there is an accompanying operator on board who does have a permit and is at least 21 years old. Those born before June 30, 1987, will never be required to have a permit unless they rent a motorboat or are serving as an accompanying operator for another person. People younger than 12 years old cannot operate a personal watercraft or motorboat with a motor over 75 horsepower. They can, however, operate a motorboat that is not a personal watercraft and is under 75 horsepower as long as there is an accompanying operator on board….
Read More7 Steps for Getting Started on Your Estate Plan
May 19, 2025 | William F. Huefner
With tax season behind us, now is the perfect time to turn your attention to another important aspect of life planning: your estate plan. Estate planning can seem daunting, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Follow along with us as we provide some initial steps to help you begin the process. 1. Understand the Basics At its core, estate planning is about making decisions now concerning what happens to your assets after you pass away. This involves several key components: Will: A legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death. Wills are only used if your estate is subject to a probate court proceeding. Trusts: Legal arrangements that hold assets for the benefit of someone else, often used to avoid estate taxes and a probate court proceeding. Financial Durable Power of Attorney: Designates someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Advanced Health Care Directive: Specifies your wishes regarding medical treatment if you are unable to communicate. Beneficiary Designations: Designate who will receive specific assets, such as life insurance policies and retirement accounts. 2. Take Inventory of Your Assets Before you can decide how to distribute your assets, you need to know what…
Read MoreJames H. Wills Retires from Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
April 22, 2025 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
After more than 50 years representing trucking companies and businesses, James (Jim) H. Wills has decided to retire from the practice of law. While his expertise and great humor will be missed, we here at BGS are grateful for his many contributions to the industry and this firm, and we wish him all the best as he embarks on this next chapter. Visitors to his northern Minnesota home will remark that he has not slowed down, simply shifted focus! Jim graduated from law school in 1975 and began his legal career as General Counsel for Dart Transit. After six years there, he moved to Anderson Trucking in a similar role, and in 1985 decided to form his own law firm focusing on transportation law. His deep involvement and contributions to the trucking industry continued from there as he combined his expertise in taxation, corporate law, and transportation in guiding his clients at Kalina, Wills, Gisvold and Clark PLLP and from 2016 on here at Barna, Guzy and Steffen Ltd. Jim’s impact on the trucking industry, especially here in Minnesota, cannot be understated. He served on the company board of more than one trucking company, offering his legal advice and common sense for the benefit of all. He played a very active role in…
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