Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano and Matthew Milam that would make transferring the title of an abandoned vessel simpler by requiring the title transfer application be made to the state Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) was recently approved by an Assembly panel.
The bill removes the requirement that a person, entity, municipality, or harbor commission looking to acquire title to an abandoned vessel must apply to a court for transfer of title to the vessel. Instead, the person, entity, municipality, or harbor commission would have to apply to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for transfer of title to the vessel.
The bill also increases from seven days to 30 days the period of time after which a vessel that has remained moored, grounded, docked, or otherwise attached or fastened to any public land or waterway or any private property may be impounded.
Under the bill, the owner of an impounded vessel would be responsible for the cost of the transportation, disposal, and other incidental costs associated with the impounded vessel.
