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Committee backs doubling fines for abandoned vessels to help parishes clean waterways
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Summary
Representative Domingue's HB 7 26 would double fines for abandoning vessels to increase local incentive and help remove derelict boats; Wildlife and Fisheries described a 30‑day notice process and use of registration as a presumption of ownership.
The House Natural Resources Committee reported House Bill 7 26 favorable after extended debate on how to remove and deter abandoned vessels that clog waterways.
Representative Domingue said the bill doubles fines for abandoned vessels so local governments have "more skin in the game" to remove derelict boats. The sponsor said the bill builds on a prior measure (HB 301) that reorganized removal and salvage rules, and that the intent is to streamline condemnations, title transfers and salvage to clear bayous and navigation channels.
Cole Garrett, general counsel for Wildlife and Fisheries, and Captain Russo of Wildlife Enforcement explained that registration serves as a presumption of ownership and described a process similar to condemnation: an authority notifies an owner of record by certified mail and the owner then has 30 days to reclaim or make removal arrangements. If the owner does not act, the vessel can be deemed abandoned; options include third‑party salvage (title transfer) or removal billed through appropriations.
Members probed protections for owners who lose boats during hurricanes, tracking title when ownership has changed through private sales, and how fines are split locally. Staff said the statute and rules allow case‑by‑case discretion; some parish funds and litter‑fine splits go to local prosecution or sheriff's offices. Several members supported the bill while urging sensitivity for elderly or indigent owners with sunken boats.
The committee reported the bill favorable by voice vote.
