Bill > HB115

This bill amends Georgia's laws regarding vessel (boat) registration, removal, and abandonment, introducing several key provisions. The bill defines "public waters" and establishes a new process for handling unattended vessels, requiring law enforcement officers or authorized Department of Natural Resources personnel to perform "unattended vessel checks" to ensure no one is injured and the vessel does not pose a safety risk. When a vessel is found unattended, officers must attach a check card to the vessel and query the criminal justice system to determine if the vessel is stolen. The bill also revises procedures for notifying vessel owners when their vessel is removed from public waters or property, including requirements for attempting to contact the owner through mail or newspaper advertisements. If an owner fails to retrieve an abandoned vessel within 30 days of notification, they may face significant penalties, including a misdemeanor charge with a fine up to $5,000 or 12 months in jail, and potential subsequent offenses could result in felony charges. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Natural Resources to charge a small fee for owner information and authorizes courts to order restitution for removal, storage, and disposal costs. The legislation also provides mechanisms for the potential revocation of vessel registrations, motor vehicle registrations, and commercial fishing boat licenses for owners who do not address abandoned vessels.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69468