HB481 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David SessionsSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Harvesting of shrimp, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources authorized to establish areas that are closed to the commercial and recreational harvesting of shrimp, emergency ruling authority

Summary

HB481 would allow the state to close areas to shrimp harvesting, set emergency seasons, and regulate shrimp size and related rules in Alabama waters.

What This Bill Does

HB481 authorizes the Commissioner to establish areas closed to commercial and recreational shrimp harvesting, with restrictions as needed. It allows the commissioner to provide for emergency open or closed seasons based on biological, environmental, or public health factors. It requires regulations to set a minimum weight for shrimp with specified maximums (not more than 68 head-on shrimp per pound and not more than 114 headless shrimp per pound). It also creates annual and area-specific closures (inside waters May 1 to June 1; part of Mobile Bay Aug 15 to Oct 1) and establishes penalties for violations.

Who It Affects

• Commercial and recreational shrimp harvesters in Alabama, who would be subject to area closures, seasonal restrictions, and shrimp size rules.
• The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which would implement and regulate the closures, seasons, and weight rules.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources to establish areas closed to commercial and recreational shrimp harvesting, with restrictions.
• Allows the Commissioner to provide for emergency open or closed seasons for harvesting shrimp.
• Amends minimum weight rules for shrimp by regulation, setting maximums of not more than 68 head-on shrimp per pound and not more than 114 headless shrimp per pound.
• Imposes annual and area-specific closures: inside waters closed May 1 to June 1; portion of Mobile Bay closed August 15 to October 1.
• Creates penalties for violations: Class C misdemeanor with fines of $25 to $100 per offense.
• Exempts shrimp used solely as bait from these provisions.
• Specifies the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.
• Notes that the bill would require a new or increased expenditure of local funds but is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 due to specified exceptions.

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

Subjects

Fish and Wildlife