SB 2953 Summary

• Amends vessel impoundment and disposal procedures for unauthorized, abandoned, grounded, and derelict vessels on state property or in state waters to enable faster department response.

• Reduces timeframes for vessel owners to claim impounded vessels from 30 days to 10 working days for unauthorized vessels and from 20 days to 10 working days for abandoned vessels.

• Establishes impound storage fees charged to vessel owners while vessels remain impounded, equal to the rate set by the department for vessels moored without valid permits.

• Creates criminal penalties for vessel abandonment in state waters or on public property, making it a petty misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days per offense.

• Allows department to assume immediate control of vessels grounded on state submerged land, shoreline, or coral reef in imminent danger of breaking up, with all removal costs charged to vessel owner.