SB391 Summary

• Makes it unlawful for vessel owners to leave derelict vessels in waters of Gulf of Mexico counties in Alabama; owners who refuse or fail to remove such vessels within 30 days of request are guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and must reimburse the county for all enforcement expenses.

• Defines "derelict vessel" to include wrecked or sunken vessels, vessels obstructing waterways or endangering life or property, vessels with expired registration, and vessels that have been marked as "unattended" by the county for four consecutive weeks without response.

• Grants counties authority to exercise control over derelict vessels and dispose of them by public auction (with minimum five-day notice after newspaper advertisement) or by negotiation, donation, or destruction if appraised value is less than $100.

• Requires counties to post written notice on derelict vessels and send certified mail notice to registered owners and lienholders at least 20 days before disposition, allowing owners to reclaim vessels by paying all associated county expenses.

• Provides immunity from liability for counties, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and their agents or employees for actions taken to enforce this act.