HB 5563 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive procedures for handling abandoned vessels, off-road vehicles (ORVs), and snowmobiles, including removal, custody, notice requirements, and public sale processes.

• Creates the abandoned vessel, ORV, and snowmobile fund within the state treasury, funded by $25 redemption fees, to administer abandoned vehicle disposal programs.

• Sets civil infraction penalties ranging from $500-$5,000 for abandoning vessels, ORVs, or snowmobiles, with fines tied to vehicle value and repeat violations.

• Requires property owners to post 2-inch high warning signs at least 24 hours before towing vessels from private property and limits storage fees to $1,000 maximum for individual vehicle owners.

• Provides vessel owners 20 days to request a hearing or redeem abandoned vehicles by paying $40 plus accrued towing and storage fees, with mandatory public auction sale procedures if not redeemed.