SB152 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 for vessels where Alabama is the state of principal use.

• Establishes application requirements for certificates of title, including vessel identification information, ownership details, security interests, and title brands, with a $50 issuance fee.

• Creates procedures for perfecting security interests in vessels through delivery of applications to the office, with security interests perfected upon delivery of application and fee or attachment, whichever is later.

• Requires vessel owners transferring ownership to follow specific procedures including signing and delivering certificates, with the office creating new certificates to reflect ownership changes within 20 days.

• Effective January 1, 2021; applies to all vessels for which Alabama is the state of principal use on or after that date, with vessels constructed before December 31, 2020 exempt unless owners voluntarily apply.