SB391 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Trip Pittman
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 (2011-20640)
Summary: This bill makes leaving a derelict vessel in Gulf-bordering Alabama waters illegal and gives counties power to seize, dispose of, and auction such vessels with penalties for non-compliance.
What This Bill Does
If a vessel owner does not remove a derelict vessel within 30 days of a county officer's request, they commit a Class C misdemeanor and must reimburse the county's enforcement costs. The county can seize, remove, store, or dispose of the vessel and may accept the vessel as payment if it remains unclaimed. Owners and lienholders must be notified in writing and by mail, with a 20-day window to repossess by paying costs. If not repossessed, the vessel will be sold at a public auction or by negotiated sale if its appraised value is very low.

Who It Affects
Owners of derelict vessels located in counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico; they face criminal penalties and reimbursement of county costs if they fail to remove the vessel.
Registered owners and lienholders of such vessels; they must be notified and may reclaim the vessel by paying costs and providing security.

Key Provisions
Section 3 establishes a Class C misdemeanor for owners who fail to remove a derelict vessel within 30 days after a county request, and requires them to reimburse county enforcement expenses.
Section 4 gives counties authority to exercise control over derelict vessels, dispose of them, or contract for removal/storage; the county may accept the vessel as payment for services if unclaimed.
Section 5 requires written and mailed notice to the registered owner and lienholders with location and intended disposition, plus a 20-day window to repossess.
Section 6 allows a holder of ownership or lien to take possession by paying all costs and posting security up to the appraised value; security is returned after one year if not forfeited.
Section 7 outlines public sale procedures (auction, oral tenders, or sealed bids) and exceptions; if appraised value is under $100, sale can be by negotiation or other methods without a public auction.
Section 8 provides for transfer of ownership by county bill of sale; Section 9-10 provide immunity for county agents/employees; Section 12 sets the effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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: Vessels