Rep. Cairns files bill in North Carolina House on abandoned vessel management

A new bill filed by State Rep. Celeste C. Cairns seeks to improve management and removal of abandoned and derelict vessels in North Carolina waters, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 887 on April 9 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Address Abandoned and Derelict Vessels.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill addresses the management of abandoned and derelict vessels in North Carolina’s waters, effective July 1, 2025. It defines an abandoned vessel as one moored for more than 30 days without consent. Derelict vessels are those left unattended and in poor condition. The bill grants law enforcement the authority to remove such vessels, exempts parties from liability except in cases of gross negligence, and outlines responsibilities for securing vessels. It establishes 10-day anchoring limits in state waters without permits and requires vessel owners to abate violations within 10 days of notice. The bill allows immediate action for harm prevention and stipulates forfeiture and disposal procedures if owners do not comply. Exceptions are made for historic shipwrecks and emergencies.

A related bill, SB 505, was also filed in the North Carolina Senate, introduced by Sen. Michael V. Lee (and two others) on March 25, 2025.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Charles W. Miller proposed the most bills (37) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cairns graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBA.

Cairns, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 13th House district, replacing previous state representative Patricia McElraft.