HB519 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Vessels, derelict, leaving in waters of this state in counties bordering on Gulf of Mexico, prohibited under certain conditions, penalties, procedures for exercising authority over derelict vessels and selling at public auction

Summary

HB519 would make it illegal to leave derelict vessels in Gulf-bordering Alabama waters and establish penalties plus procedures for authorities to seize, dispose of, and auction those vessels.

What This Bill Does

It makes it unlawful for owners to leave a derelict vessel in specified waters and, if the owner does not remove it within 30 days after a department request, creates a Class C misdemeanor and requires reimbursement of the department's enforcement costs. It also authorizes the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and peace officers to take control of such vessels, notify the owners and lienholders, and dispose of them through public auction or other methods (with a low-value exception).

Who It Affects

• Vessel owners in the Gulf-bordering counties who leave or fail to remove a derelict vessel, facing a Class C misdemeanor and reimbursement of enforcement expenses, and possible loss of the vessel if not repossessed.
• Lienholders and registered owners of derelict vessels, who must be notified and may seek possession by paying costs or otherwise be affected by disposal if not reclaimed.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition on leaving derelict vessels in Gulf-bordering counties and penalties, including a Class C misdemeanor for owners who do not remove within 30 days after notice and reimbursement of department enforcement costs.
• Authority for the department to seize, remove, store, and dispose of derelict vessels; notice to owners and lienholders with a 20-day repossession window; disposal by public auction or negotiated sale (with an appraised-value exception) and related procedures, plus an exemption from local-funding requirements due to creation of a new crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Vessels