House Bill 1159 Summary

• Establishes procedures for removing derelict vessels (grounded, unseaworthy, submerged, or in danger of sinking) in areas south of Interstate 10, with property owners, harbormasters, municipalities, and professional marine salvagers having standing to initiate removal.

• Requires posting a 7-day notice on derelict vessels before removal, with vessel owners able to request a 5-day extension; the Department of Marine Resources must verify vessel registration status with the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks before disposal.

• Vests title of removed derelict vessels with the person or agency that registers them, with no transfer of liabilities from the original owner; salvage value offsets removal and storage costs.

• Holds vessel owners liable for removal costs, storage, land restoration, a fine of $500 per day, and potentially double costs plus attorney's fees if ownership transfers; courts may order additional damages up to $500 per day.

• Creates a "Derelict Vessel Fund" in the State Treasury to be administered by the Department of Marine Resources, funded by court-ordered reimbursements and damages exceeding actual removal costs, to cover administrative and removal expenses.

• Establishes separate procedures for abandoned vessels (left unattended 24 hours without permission or with dealers/repairmen for 40+ days), allowing law enforcement to initiate removal with 2-day notice and public auction of vessels, with sale proceeds eschewing to the Derelict Vessel Fund.