The bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding abandoned vessels by introducing new provisions and clarifying existing processes. It requires the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to promulgate rules and regulations for the removal of abandoned vessels, which can now be executed by third parties at their own expense if the owner fails to act within specified timeframes. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption of ownership for vessels without documentation, presuming the last known registrant as the owner. Additionally, it mandates that authorities notify lien holders when a vessel is deemed abandoned and outlines the process for property owners to consent to entry for removal purposes.

Key changes include the removal of the requirement for owners to present a removal plan to the authority and the introduction of a clear process for obtaining information about abandoned vessels and their ownership. The bill also emphasizes that entry onto private property for removal purposes cannot occur without the property owner's consent. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the management of abandoned vessels and enhance the accountability of vessel ownership in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB676 Original: 34:843(A)(1)
HB676 Engrossed: 34:843(A)(1)
HB676 Reengrossed: 34:843(A)(1)
HB676 Enrolled: 34:843(A)(1)
HB676 Act : 34:843(A)(1)