SB50 Summary

• Establishes procedures for law enforcement to remove, store, and sell abandoned or derelict vessels left unattended in Alabama waters, with abandoned vessels defined as those left unattended more than 10 days on public or private property without consent.

• Requires persons removing vessels to conduct lien searches, provide written notice to owners and lienholders within specified timeframes, and advertise vessels in newspapers; owners or lienholders may redeem vessels by paying all accrued costs within 45 calendar days.

• Authorizes court-ordered public auctions for abandoned vessels not redeemed within 30 days; sale proceeds are distributed first to removal and storage costs, then outstanding security interests, with remaining balance deposited into the Alabama Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Fund.

• Creates a criminal offense making it unlawful for derelict vessel owners to refuse or fail to remove their vessel within 24 hours of law enforcement request, with penalties ranging from Class A to Class C misdemeanor depending on vessel size, plus mandatory restitution for enforcement costs.

• Establishes the Alabama Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Fund administered by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to cover costs of implementing the act; allows low-value vessels (worth less than sale costs) to be disposed of without court order.