SB269 Summary

• Prohibits willfully removing or falsifying identification numbers on vessels, outboard motors, vessel trailers, or their component parts manufactured and sold after 1985, making violations a Class A misdemeanor.

• Criminalizes possessing vessel parts with removed or falsified identification numbers, and knowing purchase or sale of such property, each as Class A misdemeanors with exceptions for lawfully recovered stolen vessels if proper identification is restored before resale.

• Prohibits removing or falsifying vessel registration numbers or affixes with intent to conceal or misrepresent identity, constituting a Class A misdemeanor.

• Authorizes law enforcement to seize and detain vessels with altered or removed identification numbers for up to 72 hours to determine true identity, with seized items of undetermined ownership subject to forfeiture.

• Permits forfeiture of seized property with court approval, allowing law enforcement agencies to retain property for official use, destroy it, or sell it with proceeds directed to law enforcement purposes.