The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to modernize the definitions and requirements surrounding the ownership and titling of vessels and outboard motors. It introduces new terms such as "certificate of title," "electronic certificate of title," and "security interest," while clarifying existing definitions, including what constitutes a "vessel." The legislation reduces the timeline for new owners to apply for a certificate of title from 45 days to 20 days and allows for temporary facsimile numbers for up to 20 days. Additionally, it establishes new requirements for manufacturers' and importers' certificates of origin, ensuring that detailed information about the vessel or motor is included.

Moreover, the bill outlines the process for perfecting security interests in vessels, specifying that such interests can only be perfected through the delivery of an application for a certificate of title to the department. It mandates that secured parties provide termination statements within specified timeframes and clarifies the effects of missing or incorrect information on certificates of title. The bill also introduces a "transfer-by-law statement" for ownership transfers, detailing the necessary documentation and responsibilities of the department upon receiving such statements. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline vessel registration processes, enhance regulatory clarity, and ensure better tracking of ownership and security interests in the industry.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 31.003, Parks and Wildlife Code 1.203, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.028, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.037, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.039, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.041, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.043, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.045, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.046, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.047, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.049, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.050, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.051, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.052, Parks and Wildlife Code 9.102, Parks and Wildlife Code 31.055 (Parks and Wildlife Code 9, Parks and Wildlife Code 31, Parks and Wildlife Code 1)