HB 6341 Summary

• Adopts the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act effective January 1, 2015, establishing a comprehensive system for vessel titling and security interests administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

• Requires vessel owners with Connecticut as the state of principal use to apply for a certificate of title within 20 days of transfer or when Connecticut becomes the principal use state, with exemptions for documented vessels, foreign-documented vessels, barges, and vessels under 19.5 feet.

• Establishes procedures for creating written and electronic certificates of title, perfecting security interests through DMV filing, and transferring ownership through signed certificates or transfer statements.

• Sets fees ranging from $10 to $50 per transaction (2015-2018), with reduced fees of $10 to $25 after January 1, 2018, and imposes penalties equal to transaction fees for late filings.

• Creates criminal penalties including fines of $500-$1,000 and imprisonment of 1-5 years for fraudulent alteration or use of certificates of title, and fines up to $1,000 and up to 2 years imprisonment for willful violations.