SB367 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shadrack McGill

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Paddlefish (spoonbill), Conservation and Natural Resources Department, commercial paddlefish dealer license, fees, reciprocity, penalties, Sec. 9-11-153 am'd

Summary

Alabama adds a new commercial paddlefish dealer license, sets a $750 annual fee, and imposes penalties for operating without a license, with reciprocal licensing for nonresidents.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires residents who buy, process, sell, or ship paddlefish roe, flesh, or parts (excluding in-state fishermen selling to licensed dealers) to obtain a commercial paddlefish dealer license and pay $750 per year. It allows nonresident paddlefish dealers to obtain the same license if their state offers reciprocal licensing, with fees matching that state's rate and not less than Alabama's minimum for commercial fishing licenses. It retains existing wholesale and retail freshwater nongame licenses ($25 and $10) and directs license revenue to the Game and Fish Fund; it also creates penalties for operating without the paddlefish dealer license (Class A misdemeanor; first offense minimum $1,500; subsequent offenses minimum $2,000 up to $10,000).

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who buy, process, or ship paddlefish roe, flesh, or parts for commercial purposes must obtain a commercial paddlefish dealer license and pay $750 per year.
• Nonresident paddlefish dealers from other states can obtain a license through reciprocal agreements, paying the equivalent fee in their state (not less than Alabama's minimum for commercial fishing licenses).

Key Provisions

• Establishes a commercial paddlefish dealer license for residents who handle paddlefish products, with a $750 annual fee.
• Allows nonresidents to receive a license under reciprocal arrangements, with fees equal to the other state's rate and not less than Alabama's minimum for commercial fishing licenses.
• Sets criminal penalties for operating without the license as a Class A misdemeanor; first offense minimum $1,500; subsequent offenses minimum $2,000 and maximum $10,000.
• Maintains existing wholesale ($25) and retail ($10) freshwater nongame licenses with revenue directed to the Game and Fish Fund.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Conservation and Natural Resources Department