Bill > HB676

This bill addresses the management of abandoned vessels in Louisiana waterways by establishing a comprehensive process for their removal, notification, and potential disposal. The legislation modifies existing law to require that when an abandoned vessel is found in a canal, bayou, lake, or other waterway, the owner must remove it within 30 days of receiving a written notice. The bill introduces a rebuttable presumption of ownership based on the last known vessel registrant and mandates that authorities notify not only the vessel owner but also any lien holders with properly filed ship mortgages. If the owner cannot be identified or does not remove the vessel, the bill now allows third parties to remove the vessel at their own expense, with the option to junk, sell, or transfer ownership. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is required to develop rules for obtaining vessel ownership information, identifying security interest holders, obtaining salvage titles, and notifying new registrants of their potential responsibilities. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that nothing in the law permits unauthorized entry onto private property without the owner's consent, ensuring property rights are protected while providing a clear framework for addressing abandoned vessels.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB676&sbi=y