HB381 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Barry Mask

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Greg Wren

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Lakes with restrictions for houseboats and vessel size and speed, Lake Jordan included, Sec. 33-6A-3.1 am'd.

Summary

HB381 adds Lake Jordan to Alabama lakes with houseboat and vessel size/speed restrictions, with phased bans and permit-based exceptions.

What This Bill Does

HB381 would amend Section 33-6A-3.1 to include Lake Jordan among lakes that restrict houseboats and limit vessel size and speed. It bans houseboats on Lake Harris (Wedowee), Lake Martin, and Weiss Lake beginning July 1, 2007, and bans houseboats on Lake Jordan beginning July 1, 2011. It also imposes size and speed limits: recreational vessels longer than 26 feet 11 inches and capable of speeds over 60 mph are prohibited starting October 1, 2006 for the first three lakes and October 1, 2010 for Lake Jordan; vessels longer than 30 feet 6 inches are prohibited starting July 1, 2007 for the first three lakes and July 1, 2011 for Lake Jordan. The bill creates permit and grandfather provisions to allow certain pre-existing vessels to continue under specified conditions, and gives the department authority to adopt implementing rules; it takes effect July 1, 2010.

Who It Affects

• Boat owners and operators on Lake Jordan and the other affected lakes (Lake Harris Wedowee, Lake Martin, Weiss Lake) who would be subject to bans on houseboats and size/speed limits.
• Marinas, lake managers, law enforcement, and state agencies responsible for enforcing the restrictions, issuing permits, and conducting inspections.

Key Provisions

• Lake Jordan added to the lakes with houseboat and vessel size/speed restrictions.
• Houseboats ban: Lake Harris Wedowee, Lake Martin, and Weiss Lake starting July 1, 2007; Lake Jordan starting July 1, 2011.
• Size/speed restrictions: vessels over 26 feet 11 inches and over 60 mph prohibited starting Oct 1, 2006 (Oct 1, 2010 for Lake Jordan); vessels over 30 feet 6 inches prohibited starting July 1, 2007 (July 1, 2011 for Lake Jordan).
• Permits and grandfathering: department may issue permits for temporary use or grandfathered vessels; pre-existing licensed houseboats must meet sewage standards, mooring at a certified facility, and annual inspections; permits are non-transferable and one-year terms, with potential fees.
• Exceptions and exemptions: law enforcement, public safety, search and rescue, scientific research, dam operation/maintenance, and certain sailboats are excluded from prohibitions; special rules may apply to authorizations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Boats and Boating