The bill amends R.S. 34:852.3 and 852.4(A) to update the titling requirements for vessels and outboard motors in Louisiana. It specifies that any person purchasing or possessing a vessel or outboard motor intended for operation on state waters, and not held for sale or lease, may apply for a certificate of title. The bill raises the threshold for titling from vessels valued over $2,500 to those valued over $5,000, and establishes that any vessel or outboard motor purchased or transferred after January 1, 2027, must be titled in accordance with the new regulations. Additionally, it clarifies that vessels with a valid U.S. Coast Guard documentation will not be issued a certificate of title.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that applications for a certificate of title for vessels and outboard motors that are required to be titled must be submitted within sixty days of acquisition or changes to the title data. For all other vessels and outboard motors, applications can be made at any time. This change aims to streamline the titling process and ensure compliance with the updated valuation thresholds.

Statutes affected:
SB213 Original: 34:4(A)
SB213 Engrossed: 34:4(A)
SB213 Enrolled: 34:4(A)
SB213 Act 365: 34:4(A)