Bill > HB301

This bill provides a comprehensive framework for handling abandoned vessels in Louisiana waterways by authorizing the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop clear regulations for vessel removal and salvage. Specifically, the bill mandates that the department create rules for law enforcement to tag abandoned vessels, allow third parties to recover such vessels, provide methods for identifying vessel owners, establish procedures for obtaining salvage titles, and selling recovered vessels. The bill also clarifies that new vessel registrants can be held responsible for abandoned vessels and ensures that the new regulations do not interfere with existing state and local governmental authorities to remove abandoned vessels. Additionally, the bill changes language from "is authorized to" to "shall" regarding the department's responsibility to adopt rules for registering and titling abandoned, salvaged, or undocumented vessels, which strengthens the mandate for creating these guidelines. The overall aim appears to be creating a more streamlined and accountable process for managing abandoned vessels in Louisiana's waterways.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB301&sbi=y