SJR13 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Legislative intent regarding exemption of certain vessels from registration requirements expressed

Summary

This resolution states the Alabama Legislature's intent to exempt canoe, kayak, and similar paddle-powered vessels from vessel registration, even if they carry a sail occasionally.

What This Bill Does

It clarifies that current registration and numbering requirements are not intended to apply to vessels whose main propulsion is human-powered by a paddle, such as canoes and kayaks, even if a sail is used occasionally. It aligns with existing exemptions for vessels not propelled by machinery and directs the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to apply this intent. It does not create new laws but expresses how the Legislature intends existing laws to be interpreted.

Who It Affects

• Owners and users of canoe, kayak, or other paddle-propelled floating devices with paddle as the principal propulsion (even if they occasionally use a sail) who would not be required to register under this interpretation.
• The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (and its Commissioner), which administers vessel registration and would apply the Legislature's expressed intent.

Key Provisions

• The Legislature expresses the intent that registration and numbering requirements for vessels used on Alabama waters do not apply to canoe/kayak or similar paddle-propelled floating devices, even if a sail is used from time to time.
• This intent is consistent with the existing exemption for vessels not propelled by machinery, and it clarifies that paddle-powered vessels are not subject to numbering requirements.
• A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to inform the department of the Legislature's intent.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative