HB403 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Coastal areas, shoreline restoration, living shoreline techniques, use of sand and sediment by riparian property owners without fee or charge by Conservation and Natural Resources Dept. and Environmental Management Dept.

Summary

HB403 would let coastal riparian property owners obtain permits to dredge sand or sediment from in front of their property for living shoreline restoration without paying fees.

What This Bill Does

Defines living shoreline as restoration methods that protect the coast while allowing natural processes to continue. Aims to encourage these methods instead of seawalls. It authorizes riparian property owners to dredge sand and source sediment in front of, or adjacent to, their property (with consent) to be used for living shoreline projects, without fees from state agencies. State Lands Division and the Department of Environmental Management would issue the permits. The act does not change ownership of state-submerged lands.

Who It Affects

• Riparian property owners along Alabama's coast would be able to dredge sediment in front of their property for living shoreline projects without paying fees, subject to permits.
• State government agencies (State Lands Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Management) would issue and oversee these permits and dredging activities.

Key Provisions

• Living shoreline includes vegetation planting, wave attenuation structures, fill, and other techniques to stabilize shorelines while allowing natural coastal processes.
• The act authorizes riparian property owners to dredge sand and source sediment in front of their riparian property (or adjacent property with consent) for use in living shoreline construction, without charging a fee to the owner.
• Permits for dredging and sediment use are issued by the State Lands Division and the Department of Environmental Management.
• The act states it does not affect the title to state-owned submerged lands.
• The act 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

Conservation and Natural Resources Department