A Milestone for Boater Transparency and Consumer Protection
Boat History Report, the nation’s leading provider of watercraft history reports, commends the State of Texas for enacting Senate Bill 1267, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 27, 2025. This bipartisan legislation modernizes Texas’s boat titling, registration, and branding systems, delivering significant benefits to consumers, law enforcement, and the marine industry.
SB 1267, authored by Senator Carol Alvarado and sponsored in the House by Representative Cody Vasut, introduces comprehensive reforms to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. The bill aims to enhance transparency, combat fraud, and streamline the process of buying and selling boats in Texas.
Key Consumer Protections and Industry Enhancements in SB 1267:
- Hull-Damaged Title Branding: The law mandates that vessels with known hull damage be clearly branded as "Hull Damaged" on their titles. This requirement applies to both private sellers and insurers and includes criminal penalties for noncompliance. This ensures that consumers are aware of serious issues before purchase, helping them make informed decisions and reducing the risk of unknowingly buying unsafe or devalued vessels.
- Accelerated Titling Process: The timeframe for submitting a title application after a boat sale has been reduced from 45 days to 20 days. This change expedites ownership transfers and reduces opportunities for title fraud.
- Electronic Titling and Records: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is now authorized to issue and maintain electronic titles and ownership records. This modernization improves record accuracy and accessibility for consumers and law enforcement.
- Enhanced Hull Identification Number (HIN) Enforcement: The law strengthens regulations surrounding HINs, requiring inspections and proper documentation to prevent tampering and ensure accurate vessel identification.
Boat History Report’s Support for SB 1267
Boat History Report strongly supports SB 1267 as it aligns with our mission to promote transparency and protect consumers in the boating industry. By ensuring that critical information, such as hull damage and ownership history, is accurately recorded and accessible, the law empowers buyers to make informed decisions and fosters trust in the marketplace.
"This legislation is a significant step forward for boating safety and consumer protection in Texas," said Caroline Mantel, Director of Business Development for Boat History Report. "We applaud the Texas Legislature and Governor Abbott for enacting these reforms, which will serve as a model for other states seeking to enhance transparency and integrity in the boating industry."
Boat History Report remains committed to supporting policies and technologies that improve the boating experience for consumers and industry stakeholders alike.
About Boat History Report
Boat History Report is the industry’s leading provider of watercraft history reports, trusted by yacht brokers, boat dealers, marine surveyors, law enforcement, and financial and insurance institutions. For over 20 years, our extensive database has empowered professionals and consumers with critical insights to mitigate risk, enhance transparency, and build buyer confidence. As the most trusted resource for watercraft history, Boat History Report is an essential tool in the used boat buying and selling process.