HB370 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

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

The bill would let coastal riparian property owners dredge sand and sediment in front of their property to build living shorelines, without fees, using streamlined permits.

What This Bill Does

It defines living shoreline as natural stabilization methods like planting native vegetation and using wave attenuation structures. It requires permits from the State Lands Division and the Department of Environmental Management, and allows riparian property owners to dredge sand and source sediment in front of their property without any fee if the material will be used for a living shoreline. The authority is limited to coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico and related bays and rivers as described, and the measure is supplemental and does not repeal other laws not in direct conflict.

Who It Affects

• Riparian property owners on Alabama's Gulf coast (including areas along Mobile Bay) who would be allowed to dredge sand and sediment in front of their property to construct living shorelines without paying fees.
• State agencies (State Lands Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Management) that would issue permits without charge to eligible riparian owners.

Key Provisions

• Living shoreline is defined to include techniques such as planting native vegetation, adding wave attenuation structures, and placing fill material to preserve natural coastal processes and features.
• Permits to dredge for sand and source sediment in front of a riparian property (or adjacent property with the riparian owner's consent) would be issued without any fee when used for a living shoreline.
• The act applies only to property along the Gulf of Mexico proper and related bays, rivers, or creeks as defined in the bill.
• The act is supplemental and does not repeal other laws unless there is a direct conflict, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved.

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