HB54 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

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.

Summary

HB54 updates Alabama's Underwater Cultural Resources Act by redefining cultural resources, defining artifacts, and allowing lawful recovery of abandoned artifacts from navigable rivers' submerged lands.

What This Bill Does

It defines artifacts as any man-made object and clarifies the scope of cultural resources. It designates the Alabama Historical Commission as the official custodian and requires permits or contracts for exploration or excavation of state waters, with the Commissioner's approval. It allows recovering abandoned artifacts that are not cultural resources from submerged lands under navigable rivers, and requires recovered artifacts to be registered with the Commission including GPS locations. It sets state control over cultural resources, while maintaining protections against federal lands and laws; it also details repeal of conflicting laws and outlines the act’s effective date.

Who It Affects

• The Alabama Historical Commission and other state agencies act as the custodian and permit-issuing authority for underwater cultural resources, with required oversight and approval from the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.
• Researchers, contractors, and private or public entities conducting exploration or excavation in state waters must obtain permits or contracts to work with cultural resources; they may also lawfully recover abandoned artifacts that are not cultural resources from navigable rivers, and must register recovered artifacts with GPS locations.

Key Provisions

• Artifacts are defined as any man-made object.
• Cultural resources are defined as all abandoned shipwrecks, remains, and underwater treasures or related items, including those on submerged lands, with certain exclusions and eligibility elements.
• The Alabama Historical Commission acts as the official custodian of state cultural resources and oversees permits/contracts for exploration or excavation, subject to the Commissioner's written approval.
• It becomes lawful to recover abandoned artifacts that are not cultural resources from submerged lands under navigable rivers in Alabama.
• Recovered artifacts must be registered with the Commission, including GPS locations of each artifact.
• The act repeals conflicting laws and sets an effective date for when it takes effect.

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