HB303 Summary

• Adopts the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act, requiring vessel owners to obtain certificates of title from the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency instead of optional registration.

• Vessel owners whose state of principal use is Alabama must apply for a certificate of title within 20 days of ownership transfer or when Alabama becomes the state of principal use; applies to most watercraft except documented vessels, barges, and vessels under 16 feet propelled by sail or engines under 10 horsepower.

• Establishes the office's duties to create, maintain, and cancel certificates, including provisions for hull damage designations, replacement certificates, and public access to vessel title information.

• Provides procedures for perfecting security interests in vessels by delivery of applications to the office, with specific timeline requirements and automatic perfection upon attachment of the security interest.

• Sets a $50 filing fee for title applications and related transactions, with an additional $15 county licensing fee, and establishes effective date of January 1, 2021.