79R3198 DWS-F

By:  Armbrister                                                   S.B. No. 453



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the disposition of an abandoned watercraft.                       
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 683.014, Transportation Code, is amended 
by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to read as 
follows:
	(a)  If an abandoned motor vehicle, watercraft, or outboard 
motor is not claimed under Section 683.012:
		(1)  the owner or lienholder:                                                 
			(A)  waives all rights and interests in the item; 
and                      
			(B)  consents to the sale of the item by public 
auction or the transfer of the item, if a watercraft, as provided by 
Subsection (d); and
		(2)  the law enforcement agency may sell the item at a 
public auction, transfer the item, if a watercraft, as provided by 
Subsection (d), or use the item as provided by Section 683.016.
	(d)  On consent of the Parks and Wildlife Department, the law 
enforcement agency may transfer a watercraft that is not claimed 
under Section 683.012 to the department for use as part of an 
artificial reef under Chapter 89, Parks and Wildlife Code.  On 
transfer of the watercraft the department:
		(1)  takes title free and clear of all liens and claims 
of ownership; and
		(2)  is entitled to register the watercraft and receive 
a certificate of title.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.