HB403 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David SessionsSenator
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Victor Gaston K.L. Brown Joseph C. Mitchell Donnie Chesteen Wes Long Jim McClendon Napoleon Bracy Joe Faust Randy Davis Jamie Ison Harry Shiver Mac Buttram James E. Buskey Marcel Black Ron Johnson Barry Moore Mike Jones Alan Baker Steve Clouse Chad Fincher Adline Clarke Chris England Richard Baughn Steve McMillan Dimitri Polizos Paul W. Lee
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Boundaries, state, territorial waters and submerged lands, limits and boundaries, Sec. 41-1-1 am'd.
Summary: HB403 would extend Alabama's territorial waters and submerged lands to three Marine Leagues seaward, aiming to equalize Alabama with other Gulf Coast states for marine resource management.
What This Bill Does
The bill acknowledges inequities in territorial boundaries among Gulf Coast states and states Alabama’s goal to be on equal footing. It amends the state’s laws to define the territorial waters and submerged lands as extending to three Marine Leagues, using the 1819 Act’s boundaries plus later acts or compacts. It asserts Alabama’s authority to manage and protect marine resources within that extended area. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the governor approves it.

Who It Affects
Alabama residents and political subdivisions, who may gain access to or benefits from expanded marine resources and related opportunities.
The State of Alabama and its agencies, which would gain extended jurisdiction to manage and protect resources in the expanded territorial waters up to three Marine Leagues.

Key Provisions
Section 1(a) establishes findings that current boundaries create inequities with other Gulf Coast states and declares the policy to achieve equal footing for Alabama.
Section 2 amends Section 41-1-1 to define the territorial waters and submerged lands as extending to three Marine Leagues, based on the 1819 Act and subsequent acts or compacts.
Section 3 states the act’s effective date as the first day of the third month after it is enacted and approved.

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