Refusal or failure to remove derelict vessel.

(a) It is unlawful for a person who is the owner of a derelict vessel to refuse or fail to remove the derelict vessel from the waters of this state within 24 hours after a verbal or written request from a law enforcement officer.

(b)(1) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor if the vessel is a Class 4 vessel as described in Section 33-5-17.

(2) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor if the vessel is a Class 3 vessel as described in Section 33-5-17.

(3) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor if the vessel is a Class 1 or Class 2 vessel as described in Section 33-5-17.

(c) In addition to all other penalties, the sentencing official shall order the owner to pay for all of the costs incurred in the enforcement of this section, including the seizure, removal, transportation, preservation, storage, and disposal expenses of the derelict vessel.

(d) Any fines collected pursuant to subsection (b) and all moneys collected pursuant to subsection (c) shall be distributed into the Alabama Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Fund to be used by the Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency in the implementation and administration of this chapter.

(Act 2018-179, §11.)