HB615 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

John Robinson

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Wayne Johnson

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Jackson Co., Lake Guntersville Reservoir Aquatic Plant Management Board created, implement aquatic plant management program, provide membership, board authorize to receive and disburse funds

Summary

HB615 creates a Jackson County board to develop and run a program to manage invasive aquatic plants in Lake Guntersville and to handle funding for that program.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Guntersville Reservoir Aquatic Plant Management Board of Jackson County with nine specific members, who elect leaders and set rules. The board will develop and implement an aquatic plant management plan, balance goals with funding, and can receive and spend public or private funds, hire staff or contractors, and even merge with a neighboring county's similar entity if both sides agree. Board members serve without pay and have liability immunity while acting in scope.

Who It Affects

• Residents, property owners, boaters, anglers, and visitors around Lake Guntersville in Jackson County who may experience changes in water management, recreation access, and habitat due to invasive plant control.
• Local government and partner organizations that appoint or interact with the board (mayor of Scottsboro; Jackson County Commission; Alabama Bass Trail; Jackson County Economic Development Authority; Scottsboro-Jackson County Chamber of Commerce; state lawmakers) who influence board composition, funding, and potential collaboration or merger.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Guntersville Reservoir Aquatic Plant Management Board of Jackson County to create and implement an aquatic plant management program for Lake Guntersville within Jackson County.
• Board composition: nine members including local officials, state lawmakers, a Bass Trail appointee with sport fishing background, a Scottsboro homeowner on Lake Guntersville, and two ex officio nonvoting members.
• Board procedures: elect officers, adopt rules, establish quorum, meet, keep written records, and have members serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority with no compensation and liability immunity.
• Authority and funding: may receive funds from various sources and disburse grants, subsidies, or contracts for invasive plant management; may hire staff or contract for day-to-day operations; may merge with a similar entity in an adjoining county by mutual agreement.
• Effective date: becomes law 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

Jackson County