Maritime Lien Reform Act

Bill: 116-hr-629
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]
Introduced: 2019-01-16
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Civil actions and liability

Licensing and registrations

Marine and coastal resources, fisheries

Marine and inland water transportation
Latest action: action_date: 2019-02-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Summaries:
action_date: 2019-01-16
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Maritime Lien Reform Act</b> <b>of 2019</b></p> <p>This bill revises federal shipping laws governing maritime liability to prohibit (1) maritime liens (liens on vessels) from being imposed on state or federal fishing permits, or (2) civil actions to enforce maritime liens on the permits. A fishing permit is not considered to be part of a vessel, so it does not pass with a vessel upon the vessel's sale or transfer.</p>

tv_txt: I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 629 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 16, 2019 Mr. Young introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To provide limitations on maritime liens on fishing permits, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Maritime Lien Reform Act of 2019 . 2. Limitation on maritime liens on fishing permit and permit description (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 313 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 31310. Limitation on maritime liens on fishing permit and permit description (a) In general This chapter— (1) does not establish a maritime lien on a permit that— (A) authorizes a person or use of a vessel to engage in fishing; and (B) is issued under State or Federal law; and (2) does not authorize any civil action to enforce a maritime lien on such a permit. (b) Treatment of fishing permits A fishing permit— (1) is governed solely by the State or Federal law under which it was issued; and (2) is not included in the whole of a vessel or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel for any purpose. (c) Limitation on statutory construction Nothing in subsections (a) and (b) shall be construed as imposing any limitation upon the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to modify, suspend, revoke, or sanction any Federal fishery permit issued by the Secretary of Commerce or to bring a civil action to enforce such modification, suspension, revocation, or sanction. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31309 the following: 31310. Limitation on maritime liens on fishing permit and permit description. .