SB74 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul Bussman
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Pilotage Commission, State, Sunset Law Review, continued until October 1, 2020.
Summary: SB 74 would extend the State Pilotage Commission’s existence to October 1, 2020 and expand its membership and qualifications.
What This Bill Does
It continues the State Pilotage Commission and its related functions until October 1, 2020, preserving the associated code sections. It changes the commission from three members to four, specifying four member types: a steamship company official with a Mobile office, an active licensed bar pilot, a licensed businessperson or professional, and a Navy/Coast Guard retiree or seasoned maritime expert (excluding steamboat company or bar pilot experience). It requires the commission’s membership to reflect the diversity of Alabama in race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economic background. The act takes effect immediately upon passage and the Governor’s approval.

Who It Affects
Active bar pilots licensed by the State Pilotage Commission (as part of the four-member composition).
Steamship companies with offices in Mobile (represented on the Commission).
Licensed businesspeople or professionals in Alabama (represented on the Commission).
Navy/Coast Guard retirees or individuals with extensive maritime experience (represented on the Commission; excludes steamboat company experience or bar pilot work).
The general public in Alabama, through a commission that is required to reflect statewide diversity.

Key Provisions
Continues the existence and functioning of the State Pilotage Commission until October 1, 2020 in line with the Alabama Sunset Law.
Amends Section 33-4-1 to increase the commission size from three to four members and to define four specific member categories (steamship official, active bar pilot, licensed businessperson/professional, maritime-experienced retiree).
Requires the commission to reflect racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
Preserves existing code sections (33-4-1 to 33-4-57) while continuing the commission.
Effective immediately upon passage and the 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: Sunset Law