SB367 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Water basin areas, defined in Alabama for purposes of water resource planning and management activities under the Alabama Water Resources Act

Summary

SB367 defines specific water basin areas in Alabama and requires these basins to be used for planning and management under the Alabama Water Resources Act.

What This Bill Does

It establishes and defines basin areas (including Tennessee River, Mobile Basin, Southeast Alabama Coastal Plain, and Chattahoochee Basin areas) with official hydrologic unit codes. The Office of Water Resources and the Alabama Water Resources Commission must use these basin areas for planning and management under the Alabama Water Resources Act, and these areas should be considered in local, regional, and statewide water studies and assessments, including analyses of water movement between basins. The act states that it does not create new regulation or permitting beyond existing law. It becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• State agencies (Office of Water Resources and Alabama Water Resources Commission) must use the defined basin areas for planning and management.
• Local and regional water resource studies and statewide assessments should consider the defined basin areas in planning and analysis.

Key Provisions

• Defines basin areas and lists the specific basins and eight-digit hydrologic unit codes to delineate them.
• Requires the Office of Water Resources and the Alabama Water Resources Commission to use the basin areas for planning and management under the Alabama Water Resources Act.
• Requires basins to be considered in local/regional studies and statewide assessments, including movement of water between basins.
• Affirms no new water regulation or permitting authority beyond existing law and provides immediate effectiveness after governor's 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

Water and Waterways