Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill establishes a federal framework for identifying and removing abandoned vessels from U.S. navigable waters. The legislation defines an abandoned vessel as one that has been left unattended for more than 45 days and prohibits vessel owners from abandoning their boats. The Coast Guard is required to attempt identifying owners of abandoned vessels, notify them of removal plans, and assess civil penalties of up to $500. The bill also directs the Coast Guard to create a national inventory of abandoned vessels within one year, which will be publicly available online, and establishes a process for states, Indian tribes, and individuals to report potentially abandoned vessels. Additionally, the legislation authorizes use of the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to pay for collecting and disposing of abandoned vessels deemed in the public interest, allows the Army Corps of Engineers to remove abandoned vessels from U.S. waters, and requires people purchasing federally auctioned vessels to provide proof of liability insurance and adequate financial resources.
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