SB8 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Treasures and artifacts, cultural resources that are eligible for or listed in National Register of Historic Places, not Al. Register of Landmarks and Heritage, Sec. 41-9-291 am'd.

Summary

SB 8 would remove the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage from the definition of cultural resources on Alabama’s submerged lands, narrowing recognition to the National Register of Historic Places.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 41-9-291 to delete references to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in the definition of cultural resources. It keeps underwater resources (like abandoned shipwrecks and related artifacts) on state submerged lands as eligible for or listed in the National Register of Historic Places, rather than including the Alabama Register. The Alabama Historical Commission remains the custodian of these resources, and those who conduct exploration or excavation would operate under the revised rules. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it passes into law.

Who It Affects

• Underwater cultural resources on Alabama's submerged lands, which would be recognized based on National Register of Historic Places criteria (instead of including the Alabama Register).
• Individuals and entities involved in exploration or excavation in state-owned waters (e.g., contractors and permittees), who would follow the revised recognition and management framework.
• The Alabama Historical Commission, as custodian of cultural resources, with a clarified scope of resources they oversee.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 41-9-291 to remove the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage from the definition of cultural resources.
• Defines cultural resources as underwater resources on state submerged lands that have remained unclaimed for 50+ years and are eligible for or listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Maintains the Alabama Historical Commission as custodian and outlines roles for contractors and excavation/exploration activities under the revised framework.
• Sets the act's effective date as the first day of the third month following passage and 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

Artifacts