Van Drew, Diegnan Bill Addressing Issues Over Abandoned Boats Clears Assembly Panel

VAN DREW/DIEGNAN BILL ADDRESSING ISSUES OVER ABANDONED BOATS CLEARS ASSEMBLY PANEL

Measure Would Increase Penalties for Abandonment, Give Municipalities More Control over Removal, Destruction

(TRENTON) - The Assembly Transportation and Public Works Committee today released legislation Assemblymen Jeff Van Drew and Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., sponsored that would address problems caused by boats and vessels abandoned in New Jersey's waterways.

"Abandoned boats pose a serious safety hazard on our waterways and are eyesores when they wash ashore," said Van Drew (D-Cape May).  "Increasing municipal authority over wrecks and tightening the penalties for abandonment will ensure that when people abandon ship, they don't let their responsibilities go down with the boat."

The Van Drew/Diegnan measure (A-3767) would:

• Expand the statutory definition of abandoned vessels to include sunken vessels;
• Facilitate the removal of sunken or abandoned vessels from municipal waterways or land;
• Increase the penalties for violations of law concerning vessel abandonment.

Specifically, the bill would make it a disorderly persons offense to abandon a vessel on any public land or body of water.  Disorderly persons offenses carry a penalty of up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines.

Once a vessel is designated abandoned, a municipality or harbor commission would be authorized to obtain the title of the vessel, remove and destroy it, and seek reimbursement for the costs from the vessel's owner.  Failure to pay for the cost of removal and destruction also would be considered a disorderly persons offense.

The legislation forbids the state Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) from issuing or renewing a boating license or registration to any person who abandons a vessel or does not pay the outstanding costs for removal and destruction of an abandoned vessel.  Further, it gives the courts the power to revoke or suspend the operating license of anyone convicted of vessel abandonment or nonpayment.

The measure authorizes a municipality to adopt an ordinance requiring every owner of a vessel that moors or docks in water or land under the municipality's control to register the vessel with the town.  Violators would be subject to up to six months in prison and $1,250 in fines.

"Coastal residents shouldn't be stuck with a bill for cleaning up other peoples' messes," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex).  "Municipalities should be given the power to efficiently and effectively care for our coastal waterways without incurring fiscal fallout."

The measure was released from committee by a vote of 10 to 1.  It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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