HB339 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Wes Long
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Lynn Greer Wayne Johnson Ken Johnson Terri Collins Mac McCutcheon Kerry Rich Ed Henry Dan Williams
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Tennessee River, Aquatic Plant Management Board and Fund created, aquatic plant management programs, permits for aquatic plant removal or eradication
Summary: Alabama creates a state board and a dedicated fund to coordinate, fund, and oversee aquatic plant management in the Tennessee River and its tributaries.
What This Bill Does
The bill establishes the Alabama Board for Aquatic Plant Management to oversee management, research, planning, education, and emergency response for aquatic plants in the Tennessee River system. It also creates the Aquatic Plant Management Fund to pay for programs, with money coming from state, federal, gifts, and grants, and rules about how it can be used. The Board may accept donations, enter contracts for research and control methods, and give funds to local districts or authorities to carry out management projects, with administrative costs capped and priorities given to local groups. The program emphasizes local involvement and Extension System support for research, evaluation, and education, and requires annual reporting on diversity and other aspects of the program.

Who It Affects
Public residents and recreational users of the Tennessee River and its tributaries who may benefit from coordinated management, improved safety, and enhanced recreation and fisheries.
Local counties, plant management districts, and state authorities that may receive grants, cost-sharing, or contracts to carry out aquatic plant management projects.

Key Provisions
Provision 1: Establishes the Alabama Board for Aquatic Plant Management with nine members from specified state agencies, Auburn University, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and appointees by the House Speaker, Senate President Pro Tempore, and the Governor; requires diversity and annual reporting on diversity.
Provision 2: Defines the Board's powers and duties to monitor, coordinate, direct research and planning, promote education, develop strategic plans, and adopt rules related to aquatic plant management in the Tennessee River and its tributaries.
Provision 3: Creates the Aquatic Plant Management Fund as a non-reverting fund to hold all money for these programs, allowing deposits from state and federal sources, gifts, grants, and other assets, with money used only for the act's purposes and interest kept for allowed activities.
Provision 4: Allows the Board to accept donations and enter contracts for research and development, and to disburse funds to local districts or authorities for management techniques and programs with Board approval.
Provision 5: Establishes end-of-year fund rules: excess funds over 10% may be used for aquatic plant management; administrative costs may not exceed 10% of total program expenses; funds may be spent on grants, cost-sharing, local authority support, emergency or innovative projects, and Extension System research and education, with a preference for local authorities.
Provision 6: If the Aquatic Plant Management Fund is terminated, money must be distributed to counties according to Board rules.

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