SB176 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Liens on vessels, may attach to watercraft or vessel regardless of domicile of owner or home port of vessel, Sec. 35-11-60 am'd.

Summary

SB176 would let a lien attach to any vessel in Alabama regardless of owner domicile or home port, and would replace the word 'steamboat' with 'vessel' in the lien statute.

What This Bill Does

It amends the lien statute to declare a lien on any ship, steamboat, vessel, or other watercraft built, repaired, fitted, furnished, supplied, or victualed in Alabama, for work done or materials provided, and for crew wages. The lien would attach to the vessel regardless of the owner's domicile and regardless of whether the vessel's home port is inside Alabama, and would include wharfage and dockage as part of the lien. The lien has priority over other debts owed by the owners and can be asserted in any court of competent jurisdiction. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

Who It Affects

• Vessel owners, including those whose domicile or vessel home port is outside Alabama, for debts related to work or materials performed in Alabama.
• Businesses and individuals who build, repair, fit, furnish, supply, victual, or provide wages for watercraft in Alabama (e.g., masters, laborers, stevedores, shipkeepers, suppliers, contractors), who may file or enforce liens under the new rule.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 35-11-60 to declare a lien on any ship, steamboat, vessel, or other watercraft built, repaired, fitted, furnished, supplied, or victualed in Alabama, for work done or materials provided, and for crew wages.
• Lien attaches to the vessel regardless of the owner's domicile and regardless of whether the home port is within Alabama, and includes wharfage and dockage.
• Replaces the term 'steamboat' with 'vessel' throughout the lien statute and allows the lien to be asserted in any court of competent jurisdiction.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month following passage and approval.

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

Subjects

Liens