HB104 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Randy Davis
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Phil Williams Blaine Galliher Mary Sue McClurkin Kerry Rich April Weaver Ed Henry Becky Nordgren Mac Buttram Ken Johnson Wayne Johnson Howard Sanderford Duwayne Bridges Barry Mask Mac McCutcheon Gregory Canfield Jay Love Mike Ball Jack Williams Chad Fincher Jim McClendon Randy Wood Jim Barton Steve Clouse Daniel H. Boman
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Underwater Cultural Resources Act, definition of cultural resources amended to specify articles associated with shipwrecks, artifacts defined, recovery of abandoned artifacts not cultural resources in certain locations authorized, Secs. 41-9-291, 41-9-292 am'd. (2011-20030)
Summary: HB104 narrows the Underwater Cultural Resources Act to focus on shipwreck-related items, defines artifacts, and allows recovery of abandoned non-cultural artifacts from submerged lands under navigable rivers.
What This Bill Does
The bill changes the definition of cultural resources to emphasize shipwreck-related items and removes references to articles that may be listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. It adds a separate definition for artifacts as any man-made object. It makes it lawful to recover abandoned artifacts that are not cultural resources from submerged lands under navigable rivers in Alabama. It preserves regulatory oversight by requiring contracts or permits for cultural resource work through the Alabama Historical Commission, with prior written approval from the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. It repeals conflicting laws and sets an effective date for the act.

Who It Affects
Divers, archaeologists, salvage contractors, and private collectors who work underwater, who may now pursue artifacts and operate under revised definitions and potential new allowances.
The Alabama Historical Commission (custodian of state cultural resources) and the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources (approval authority for contracts/permits).
Owners or users of submerged lands under navigable rivers in Alabama, who may be affected by recovery activities.
People who hold or value artifacts listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage, whose status as cultural resources may change under the new definition.

Key Provisions
Defines ARTIFACTS as any man-made object.
Amends the definition of CULTURAL RESOURCES to specify items associated with shipwrecks and removes references to items that may be listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
Provides that it is lawful to recover abandoned artifacts that are not cultural resources from submerged lands under navigable rivers in Alabama.
Maintains state oversight: contracts or permits for cultural resource work must be issued by the Alabama Historical Commission and require prior written approval from the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Repeals conflicting laws and sets the act to take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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