This bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding abandoned vessels by introducing new provisions and clarifying the responsibilities of vessel owners and authorities. It requires owners of abandoned vessels to remove their property within thirty days of receiving a notice from the relevant authority, while also mandating that the authority notify lien holders via certified mail. A rebuttable presumption of ownership is established for vessels without documentation, placing the onus on the last known registrant. If the owner cannot be identified, the authority is tasked with publishing a notice before proceeding with the removal of the vessel.

Additionally, the bill allows third parties to remove abandoned vessels at their own expense if the owner fails to act within the specified timeframe. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is directed to create rules and regulations to streamline the process for identifying vessel ownership, obtaining salvage titles, and notifying new registrants of their responsibilities. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that entry onto private property for vessel removal requires the property owner's consent, ensuring respect for private property rights.

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)