SB170 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Boats, including outboard motors and parts, vessel trailer, identification numbers and registration, altering prohibited, penalties including illegal possession, forfeiture

Summary

SB170 makes it illegal to remove, alter, or counterfeit identification numbers on boats, outboard motors, trailers, and related parts, with criminal penalties and a process for seizure and forfeiture of such property.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill makes certain acts illegal, including willfully removing or falsifying IDs on vessels or their parts, concealing or misrepresenting a vessel’s identity, and possessing, selling, or disposing of items with removed or falsified numbers. Violations are Class A misdemeanors with penalties as prescribed by law. The bill also allows law enforcement to seize suspected items for up to 72 hours, requires notifying the owner or liens, and provides for forfeiture or recovery procedures, including options to retain, destroy, or sell forfeited property with proceeds used for law enforcement purposes.

Who It Affects

• Owners, buyers, sellers, and disposers of boats, outboard motors, vessel trailers, or related parts who must ensure identification numbers are valid and properly affixed
• People who knowingly possess or deal with items that have removed or falsified identification numbers (including those who buy or receive such items)
• Law enforcement and government agencies responsible for seizing and handling forfeited items and for informing lien holders
• Insurance companies and owners recovering stolen vessels or parts, who may need to restore correct identification before disposition

Key Provisions

• Makes willful removal or falsification of identification numbers on vessels, motors, trailers, or parts a Class A misdemeanor
• Prohibits concealing or misrepresenting identity by removing or possessing parts with removed or falsified IDs; includes specific parts like identification plates and serial number plugs
• Goes further to include buyers, receivers, or disposers who know IDs were removed or falsified as Class A misdemeanors
• Allows legitimate placement or restoration of identification numbers by manufacturers or authorities without violating the section
• authorize seizure of suspected items for up to 72 hours to determine true identity; owners or lien holders must be informed; unclaimed items may become contraband and forfeitable
• Establishes forfeiture procedures and allows the state or local agencies to retain, destroy, or sell forfeited items; proceeds support law enforcement funds
• Requires notice to lien holders and protects security interests; no civil liability for good-faith actions by government officials
• Excludes components without an identification number from the bill’s scope
• Specifies the act does not require a title for boats or vessels
• Enacts with an effective date of January 1 following passage
• Exempts the bill from Amendment 621 requirements by classification as creating a new crime or amending an existing one

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Criminal Law and Procedure