24 LC 39 4373S
The Senate Committee on Transportation offered the following
substitute to HB 957:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 7 of Title 52 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1
registration, operation, and sale of watercraft, so as to provide for certain notice upon2
registration of a vessel with the Department of Natural Resources; to provide for3
performance of unattended vessel checks; to revise procedures for notice to owners of4
abandoned vessels; to revise procedures for removal of abandoned vessels; to provide for5
penalties for failure to remove an abandoned vessel from public waters or public property;6
to establish a criminal violation for failure to retrieve an abandoned vessel from public waters7
or public property after receipt of notice; to provide for an exception; to authorize restitution8
to the Department of Natural Resources for the cost of removal, storage, and disposal of9
abandoned vessels; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal10
conflicting laws; and for other purposes.11
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:12
SECTION 1.13
Chapter 7 of Title 52 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to registration,14
operation, and sale of watercraft, is amended in Code Section 52-7-5, relating to numbering15
of vessels, requirements, and fees, by adding a new subsection to read as follows:16
- 1 - 24 LC 39 4373S
"(d.1) The application for registration of vessels pursuant to this Code section shall include17
a statement informing the applicant of the criminal consequences for failure to remove an18
abandoned vessel from public waters of this state or public property pursuant to19
subsection (d) of Code Section 52-7-72.1."20
SECTION 2.21
Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 52-7-70, relating to definitions relative to22
abandoned vessels, by adding a new paragraph to read as follows:23
"(2.1) 'Public waters' means any waters within the territorial limits of this state and the24
marginal sea adjacent to this state and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey25
or ride to or from the shore of this state. Such term shall not include privately owned26
ponds or lakes not open to the public."27
SECTION 3.28
Said chapter is further amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:29
"52-7-70.1.30
(a) Any law enforcement officer or individual authorized by the Department of Natural31
Resources who discovers a vessel on public property or in public waters that has been left32
unattended shall immediately perform an unattended vessel check on such vessel, unless33
an unattended vessel check card is displayed on such vessel indicating that such check has34
been previously performed. For purposes of this Code section, the term 'unattended vessel35
check' means and consists of such actions as are reasonably necessary to determine that the36
unattended vessel does not contain an injured or incapacitated person and to determine that37
the unattended vessel does not pose a threat to public health or safety.38
(b) Any law enforcement officer or individual authorized by the Department of Natural39
Resources who completes an unattended vessel check shall attach the completed40
unattended vessel check card to the vessel. Unattended vessel check cards shall be in such41
- 2 - 24 LC 39 4373S
form and shall be attached to vessels in such manner as determined by the Department of42
Natural Resources.43
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person other than a law enforcement officer or individual44
authorized by the Department of Natural Resources to attach any object purporting to be45
an unattended vessel check card to a vessel. Any person convicted of violating this46
subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.47
(d) Within 24 hours of completing an unattended vessel check or discovering an48
unattended vessel with an unattended vessel check card attached to such vessel by an49
authorized individual who is not a law enforcement officer, a law enforcement officer shall50
query the criminal justice information system to determine if the unattended vessel has51
been entered into such system as a stolen vessel. If the unattended vessel has been reported52
as stolen, the law enforcement officer shall notify the Department of Natural Resources and53
the law enforcement agency that filed such report, providing the location of the vessel. The54
law enforcement agency receiving such notification shall then notify the owner of the55
vessel of the location of the vessel.56
(e) Failure of a law enforcement officer or the Department of Natural Resources to comply57
with any provision of this Code section shall not limit the remedies available to any person58
pursuant to this article."59
SECTION 4.60
Said chapter is further amended by revising Code Section 52-7-71, relating to removal and61
storage of vessels and procedure, as follows:62
"52-7-71.63
(a) Any person who that removes a vessel from public property or public water at the64
request of a law enforcement officer or stores such vessel shall, if the owner of the vessel65
is unknown, seek the identity of and address of the last known registered owner of such66
vessel from the law enforcement officer requesting removal of such vessel or such officer's67
- 3 - 24 LC 39 4373S
agency Department of Natural Resources within 72 hours of removal. If a person removing68
or storing the vessel has knowledge of facts which reasonably indicate that the vessel is69
registered or titled in a certain other state, such person shall check the vessel records of that70
other state in the attempt to ascertain the identity of the owner of the vessel.71
(b)(1) Any person who that removes a vessel from private property or private waters at72
the request of the property owner or stores such vessel shall, if the owner of the vessel is73
unknown, notify in writing a local law enforcement agency of the location of the vessel,74
the vessel certificate of number, and the hull identification number, model, year, and75
make of the vessel, if known or if readily ascertainable, within 72 hours of the removal76
of such vessel and shall seek from the local law enforcement agency seek the identity of77
and address of the last known registered owner of such vessel and any information78
indicating that such vessel is a stolen vessel from the Department of Natural Resources79
within 72 hours of removal. If a person removing or storing the vessel has knowledge80
of facts which reasonably indicate that the vessel is registered or titled in a certain other81
state, such person shall check the vessel records of that other state in the attempt to82
ascertain the identity of the owner of the vessel.83
(2) Any person that removes a vessel pursuant to this subsection shall submit notification84
of the removal by hand delivery, electronic transmission, or telephonic facsimile85
transmission to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the location from86
where the vessel was removed no later than one day after submission of the request87
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection. Within 24 hours of receipt of such88
notification of removal of a vessel from private property, the local law enforcement89
agency shall query the criminal justice information system to determine if such vessel has90
been entered into the criminal justice information system as a stolen vessel. If the vessel91
has been reported as stolen, the local law enforcement agency shall notify the law92
enforcement agency that filed such report, providing the name and address of the person93
who submitted the notice of removal. The law enforcement agency receiving such94
- 4 - 24 LC 39 4373S
notification shall then notify the person who filed the police report for the stolen vessel95
of the location of such vessel and the contact information for the person that removed the96
vessel.97
(c) The Department of Natural Resources may charge a fee of no more than $2.00 for any98
information requested pursuant to this Code section. Such department shall furnish the99
requested owner information no later than five days from the date the request was received. 100
If any vessel removed under conditions set forth in subsection (a) or (b) of this Code101
section is determined to be a stolen vessel, the local law enforcement officer or agency102
shall notify the Georgia Crime Information Center and the owner, if known, of the location103
of such vessel within 72 hours after receiving notice that such vessel is a stolen vessel.104
(d) If any vessel removed under conditions set forth in subsection (a) or (b) of this Code105
section is determined not to be a stolen vessel or is not a vessel being repaired by a repair106
facility or is not being stored by an insurance company providing insurance to cover107
damages to the vessel, the person removing or storing such vessel shall, within seven108
calendar days of the day such vessel was removed, notify the owner, if known, by:109
(1) By certified or registered mail or statutory overnight delivery within seven calendar110
days of removal, notify the owner of the location of such vessel, the fees connected with111
removal and storage of such vessel, and the fact that such vessel will be deemed112
abandoned under this article unless the owner redeems such vessel within 30 days of the113
date such vessel was removed of its removal, the fact that the person removing or storing114
the vessel has the right to petition the court to foreclose a lien for all amounts owed, and115
the fact that a court may order the sale of the vessel to satisfy such debt; or116
(2) By advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in the county from where the117
vessel was removed or, if there is no newspaper in such county, at the county courthouse118
in such place where other public notices are posted, when an owner cannot be119
ascertained. Such advertisement shall run in the newspaper once a week for two120
consecutive weeks or shall remain posted at the courthouse for two consecutive weeks. 121
- 5 - 24 LC 39 4373S
The advertisement shall contain a complete description of the vessel, its certificate of122
number and hull identification number, the location from where such vessel was initially123
removed, the present location of such vessel, the fact that if such vessel is not redeemed124
within 30 days of its removal such vessel shall be deemed abandoned, the fact that the125
person removing or storing the vessel has the right to petition the court to foreclose a lien126
for all amounts owed, and the fact that a court may order the sale of the vessel to satisfy127
such debt.128
(e) If the person identified as the an owner fails to redeem such vessel as described in129
subsection (d) of this Code section, or if a vessel being repaired by a repair facility or being130
stored by an insurance company providing insurance to cover damages to the vessel131
becomes abandoned, the person removing or storing such vessel shall, within seven132
calendar days of the day such vessel became an abandoned vessel, give notice in writing,133
by sworn statement, to the Department of Natural Resources stating the vessel certificate134
of number, the hull identification number, the fact that such vessel is an abandoned vessel,135
the model, year, and make of the vessel, if known or if readily ascertainable, the date the136
vessel became an abandoned vessel, the date the vessel was removed, and the present137
location of such vessel and requesting the name and address of all owners, lessors, lessees,138
security interest holders, and lienholders of such vessel. If a person removing or storing139
the vessel has knowledge of facts which reasonably indicate that the vessel is registered or140
titled in a certain other state, such person shall check the vessel records of that other state141
in the attempt to ascertain the identity of the owner of the vessel.142
(e.1)(f)(1)(A) Upon notice to the Department of Natural Resources as described in143
subsection (e) of this Code section, then the commissioner may revoke, suspend, deny,144
or refuse to renew any vessel certificate of number or commercial fishing boat license145
required by this title or Title 27 which is held by or has been applied for by the person146
owner who holds the current registration for such vessel, until all fees connected with147
removal and storage of the vessel have been paid and any lien acquired under Code148
- 6 - 24 LC 39 4373S
Section 52-7-73 for such fees has been satisfied. Such owner The person shall be149
notified of the proposed order for revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal150
personally or by a letter sent by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to the151
name and address indicated on the application for the certificate of number or license,152
or both. The proposed order for revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal shall153
become final 30 days after issuance if not appealed as provided in this paragraph.154
(B) Any person whose vessel certificate of number or commercial fishing boat license155
is proposed for revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal under this paragraph shall156
have the right to enter an appeal in the superior court of the county of his or her157
residence or in the Superior Court of Fulton County. Such appeal shall name the158
commissioner as defendant and must shall be filed within 30 days from the date the159
notice of the proposed order was sent. The person filing the appeal shall neither be160
required to post any bond nor to pay the costs in advance. If the person so desires, the161
appeal may be heard by the judge at term or in chambers or by a jury at the first term. 162
The hearing on the appeal shall be de novo, but no appeal shall act as a supersedeas of163
any orders or acts of the department.164
(2)(A) Upon notice to the Department of Natural Resources as described in165
subsection (e) of this Code section and delivery of a copy of such notice to the state166
revenue commissioner, then the state revenue commissioner may revoke, suspend,167
deny, or refuse to renew any motor vehicle registration required by Title 40 which is168
held by or has been applied for by the person owner who holds the current registration169
for such vessel, until all fees connected with removal and storage of the vessel have170
been paid and any lien acquired under Code Section 52-7-73 for such fees has been171
satisfied. Such owner The person shall be notified of the proposed order for revocation,172
suspension, denial, or nonrenewal personally or by a letter sent by certified mail or173
statutory overnight delivery to the name and address indicated on the application for the174
- 7 - 24 LC 39 4373S
registration. The proposed order for revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal shall175
become final 30 days after issuance if not appealed as provided in this paragraph.176
(B) Any person whose motor vehicle registration is proposed for revocation,177
suspension, denial, or nonrenewal under this paragraph shall have the right to enter an178
appeal in the superior court of the county of his or her residence or in the Superior179
Court of Fulton County. Such appeal shall name the state revenue commissioner as180
defendant and must shall be filed within 30 days from the date the notice of the181
proposed order was sent. The person filing the appeal shall neither be required to post182
any bond nor to pay the costs in advance. If the person so desires, the appeal may be183
heard by the judge at term or in chambers or by a jury at the first term. The hearing on184
the appeal shall be de novo, but no appeal shall act as a supersedeas of any orders or185
acts of the department.186
(f) Upon ascertaining the owner of such vessel, the person removing or storing such vessel187
shall, within five calendar days, by certified or registered mail or statutory overnight188
delivery, notify the owner, lessors, lessees, security interest holders, and lienholders of the189
vessel of the location of such vessel and of the fact that such vessel is deemed abandoned190
and shall be disposed of if not redeemed.191
(g) If the identity of the owner of such vessel cannot be ascertained, the person removing192
or storing such vessel shall place an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation193
in the county where such vessel was obtained or, if there is no newspaper in such county,194
shall post such advertisement at the county courthouse in such place where other public195
notices are posted. Such advertisement shall run in the newspaper once a week for two196
consecutive weeks or shall remain posted at the courthouse for two consecutive weeks. 197
The advertisement shall contain a complete description of the vessel, its certificate of198
number and hull identification number, the location from where such vessel was initially199
removed, the present location of such vessel, and the fact that such vessel is deemed200
abandoned and shall be disposed of if not redeemed.201
- 8 - 24 LC 39 4373S
(h) Reserved.202
(i)(g) Any person storing a vessel under the provisions of this Code section shall notify the203
Department of Natural Resources if the vessel is recovered, is claimed by the owner, is204
determined to be stolen, or is for any reason no longer an abandoned vessel. Such notice205
shall be provided within seven calendar days of such event.206
(j)(h) If vessel information on the abandoned vessel is not in the files of the Department207
of Natural Resources, the department may require such other information or confirmation208
as it determines is necessary or appropriate to determine the identity of the vessel.209
(k)(i) Any person who does not provide the notice and information required by this Code210
section shall not be entitled to any storage fees.211
(l)(j) Any person who knowingly provides false or misleading information when providing212
any notice or information as required by this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor213
and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as for a misdemeanor."214
SECTION 5.215
Said chapter is further amended by revising Code Section 52-7-72, relating to authority of216
peace officer to cause removal of unattended vessels, notifications, and duties, as follows:217
"52-7-72.218
(a) Any peace law enforcement officer who finds a vessel which has been left unattended219
in or upon any public waters or other public property for a period of at least five days, if220
such peace officer reasonably believes that the person who left such vessel unattended does221
not intend to return and remove such vessel, shall notify the Department of Natural222
Resources of such finding in accordance with subsection (d) of this Code section and as223
evidenced by the date of issuance on the unattended vessel check card attached to such224
vessel pursuant to Code Section 52-7-70.1, may cause such vessel to be removed to a225
garage or other place of safety.226
- 9 - 24 LC 39 4373S
(b)(1) Any peace law enforcement officer who finds a vessel which has been left227
unattended in or upon any public waters or other public property, when such vessel poses228
a threat to public health or safety, shall notify the Department of Natural Resources of229
such finding in accordance with subsection (d) of this Code section and may immediately230
cause such vessel to be removed to a garage or other place of safety.231
(2) Within 24 hours of causing an unattended vessel to be removed pursuant to232
paragraph (1) of this subsection, the law enforcement officer causing such removal shall233
query the criminal justice information system to determine if the unattended vessel has234
been entered into the criminal justice information system as a stolen vessel. If the235
removed vessel has been reported as stolen, the law enforcement officer shall notify the236
law enforcement agency that filed such report, providing the location of the vessel or the237
name of the person that removed the vessel. The law enforcement agency receiving such238
notification shall then notify the person who filed the police report for the stolen vessel239
of the location of the vessel.240
(c) Any peace law enforcement officer who, under the provisions of this Code section,241
causes any vessel to be removed to a garage or other place of safety shall be liable for gross242
negligence only.243
(d)(1) Any peace law enforcement officer who finds a vessel under such conditions as244
described in subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section shall within 72 hours from the time245
of such finding:246
(A) Notify notify the Department of Natural Resources of the description of the vessel,247
whether the vessel has been removed or not, and, if removed, the location to which such248
vessel has been removed; and.249
(B) If available on the Georgia Crime Information Center Network, determine the250
name and address of the last known registered owner of such vessel. If vessel251
information is not in the files of the Department of Natural Resources, the department252
- 10 - 24 LC 39 4373S
may require such other information or confirmation as it determines is necessary or253
appropriate to determine the identity of the vessel.254
(2) If any such vessel is determined to be a stolen vessel, the local law enforcement255
officer or agency shall notify the Georgia Crime Information Center and the owner, if256
known, of the location of such vessel within 72 hours after receiving notice that such257
vessel is a stolen vessel.258
(3) If the vessel is removed and the name and address of the last known registered owner259
of the vessel is obtained from the Georgia Crime Information Center, the peace officer260
who causes the vessel to be removed shall, within three calendar days of removal, make261
available to the person removing such vessel the name and address of the last known262
registered owner of such vessel. If such information is not available, the peace officer263
shall, within three calendar days of removal, notify the person removing or storing such264
vessel of such fact."265
SECTION 6.266
Said chapter is further amended by revising Code Section 52-7-72.1, relating to penalty for267
failing to remove unattended vessel, as follows:268
"52-7-72.1.269
(a)(1) If any vessel for which the Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia270
Crime Information Center have has received notice pursuant to subsection (d) of Code271
Section 52-7-72 has not been removed and is determined not to be a stolen vessel, the272
commissioner may proceed to take action against the owner as provided by provisions273
of this Code section shall apply.274
(2) If any vessel for which the Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Crime275
Information Center have has received notice pursuant to subsection (d) of Code276
Section 52-7-72 has been removed, the provisions of this Code section shall not apply277
and the provisions of Code Section 52-7-71 shall apply instead.278
- 11 - 24 LC 39 4373S
(b)(1) Within seven calendar days of receipt of the notice required pursuant to279
subsection (d) of Code Section 52-7-72 that a vessel has not been removed and has been280
determined not be a stolen vessel, the Department of Natural Resources shall, by certified281
or registered mail or statutory overnight delivery, notify the owner of the location of such282
vessel and that if such vessel is not removed within 30 days the vessel will be deemed283
abandoned under this article and:284
(A) Shall be subject to a lien for actual or projected costs for the removal, storage, and285
sale of such vessel;286
(B) Failure to remove the vessel may result in the revocation, suspension, denial, or287
refusal to renew a motor vehicle registration, vessel certificate of number, or288
commercial fishing boat license of a vessel owner that has registered such vessel with289
the Department of Natural Resources;290
(C) That the owner may be liable to the department for damages for the removal,291
storage, and disposal of the vessel; and292
(D) Failure to remove the vessel may result in the criminal prosecution of a vessel293
owner that has registered such vessel with the Department of Natural Resources.294
(2) The requirement for removal of a vessel within 30 days pursuant to this subsection295
shall be inapplicable within 36 months of a declaration by the Governor of a state of296
emergency due to a natural disaster affecting the location of the vessel.297
(b)(c)(1)(A) The commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources shall be298
authorized to Upon notice to the Department of Natural Resources as described in299
subsection (d) of Code Section 52-7-72, then the commissioner may revoke, suspend,300
deny, or refuse to renew any vessel certificate of number or commercial fishing boat301
license required by this title or Title 27 which is held by or has been applied for by a302
person who owns the vessel, until the owner a vessel owner that has registered such303
vessel with the Department of Natural Resources which has become abandoned that has304
been notified in accordance with subsection (b) of this Code section, until such person305
- 12 - 24 LC 39 4373S
restores and resumes operation of the vessel or removes it from public waters or public306
property. The person shall be notified of the proposed order for revocation, suspension,307
denial, or nonrenewal personally or by a letter sent by certified mail or statutory308
overnight delivery to the name and address indicated on the application for the309
certificate of number or license, or both. The proposed order for revocation,310
suspension, denial, or nonrenewal shall become final 30 days after issuance if not311
appealed as provided in this paragraph.312
(B) Any person whose vessel certificate of number or commercial fishing boat license313
is proposed for revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal under this paragraph shall314
have the right to enter an appeal in the superior court of the county of his or her315
residence or in the Superior Court of Fulton County. Such appeal shall name the316
commissioner as defendant and must shall be filed within 30 days from the date the317
notice of the proposed order was sent. The person filing the appeal shall neither be318
required to post any bond nor to pay the costs in advance. If the person so desires, the319
appeal may be heard by the judge at term or in chambers or by a jury at the first term. 320
The hearing on the appeal shall be de novo, but no appeal shall act as a supersedeas of321
any orders or acts of the department.322
(2)(A) Upon notice to the Department of Natural Resources as described in323
subsection (d) of Code Section 52-7-72 and delivery of a copy of such notice to the324
state revenue commissioner, then the The state revenue commissioner may shall be325
authorized to revoke, suspend, deny, or refuse to renew any motor vehicle registration326
required by Title 40 which is held by or has been applied for by a person who owns the327
vessel, until the owner a vessel owner that has registered such vessel with the328
Department of Natural Resources which has become abandoned that has been notified329
in accordance with subsection (b) of this Code section, until such person restores and330
resumes operation of the vessel or removes it from public waters or public property. 331
The person shall be notified of the proposed order for revocation, suspension, denial,332
- 13 - 24 LC 39 4373S
or nonrenewal personally or by a letter sent by certified mail or statutory overnight333
delivery to the name and address indicated on the application for the registration. The334
proposed order for revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal shall become final 30335
days after issuance if not appealed as provided in this paragraph.336
(B) Any person whose motor vehicle registration is proposed for revocation,337
suspension, denial, or nonrenewal under this paragraph shall have the right to enter an338
appeal in the superior court of the county of his or her residence or in the Superior339
Court of Fulton County. Such appeal shall name the state revenue commissioner as340
defendant and must shall be filed within 30 days from the date the notice of the341
proposed order was sent. The person filing the appeal shall neither be required to post342
any bond nor to pay the costs in advance. If the person so desires, the appeal may be343
heard by the judge at term or in chambers or by a jury at the first term. The hearing on344
the appeal shall be de novo, but no appeal shall act as a supersedeas of any orders or345
acts of the department.346
(d) Any vessel owner that has registered such vessel with the Department of Natural347
Resources that negligently fails to remove such vessel from public waters or public348
property within 30 days receipt of the notice issued pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code349
section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and, upon350
conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $5,000.00 or by confinement351
for a term not to exceed 12 months, or both; provided, however, that the requirement for352
removal of a vessel within 30 days pursuant to this subsection shall be inapplicable within353
36 months of a declaration by the Governor of a state of emergency due to a natural354
disaster affecting the location of the vessel. Upon a second or subsequent offense for355
failure to remove an abandoned vessel from public waters or public property, a vessel356
owner that has registered such vessel with the Department of Natural Resources shall be357
guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed358
$50,000.00 or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years, or both. In addition to359
- 14 - 24 LC 39 4373S
any other penalty authorized by law for failure to remove an abandoned vessel from public360
waters or public property, the court may order a person convicted pursuant to this361
subsection to make restitution to Department of Natural Resources for the reasonable costs362
or damages associated with failure to remove the vessel, including the cost of removal,363
storage, and disposal of such vessel. Restitution made pursuant to this subsection shall not364
preclude the Department of Natural Resources from obtaining any other civil or criminal365
remedy available under any other provision of law. The restitution authorized by this Code366
section shall be supplemental and not exclusive."367
SECTION 7.368
Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 52-7-74, relating to procedure for369
foreclosure, by revising paragraph (2) as follows:370
"(2) The person desiring to foreclose a lien on an abandoned vessel shall, by certified or371
registered mail or statutory overnight delivery, make a demand upon the owner for the372
payment of the reasonable fees for removal and storage plus the costs of any373
advertisement. Such written demand shall include an itemized statement of all charges. 374
No such written demand shall be required if the identity of the owner cannot be375
ascertained and the notice requirements of paragraph (2) of subsection (g) (d) of Code376
Section 52-7-71 have been complied with;"377
SECTION 8.378
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.379
- 15 -