HB258 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Lynn Greer
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Tennessee River, gill net fishing in, authorized, Sec. 9-11-88 am'd.
Summary: HB258 would allow using gill nets to fish the Tennessee River and its tributaries in Alabama, replacing the previous blanket ban with targeted permissions and restrictions.
What This Bill Does
Authorizes taking fish by gill, trammel, or similar nets in the Tennessee River and its tributaries. Allows the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to adopt implementing rules as needed. Amends existing law to remove the broad prohibition on gill nets in the Tennessee River and its tributaries, while retaining specific prohibitions in certain waters with penalties. Establishes an effective date that begins the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects
Anglers and net fishermen who fish in the Tennessee River and its tributaries may use gill nets where allowed by the new rules.
Law enforcement and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources who regulate, monitor, and enforce the new net-fishing rules and penalties.
Residents and visitors who fish in areas within Alabama’s portion of the Tennessee River and its impounded waters, where prohibited net fishing still applies and penalties can be imposed.

Key Provisions
Authorizes fishing with gill, trammel, or similar nets in the Tennessee River and its tributaries.
Empowers the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to adopt reasonable rules to implement the section.
Amends Section 9-11-88 to delete prohibitions on gill net fishing across the Tennessee River and its tributaries, but retains prohibitions in specific water areas with penalties.
Maintains penalties for prohibited net fishing in waters impounded by Jordan Dam, Lay Dam, Mitchell Dam, and Martin Dam, and in the Alabama portion of the river and its tributaries.
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: Game and Fish