HB344 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rhett MarquesRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Saltwater fishing licenses, military veterans appreciation saltwater fishing license, authorized, 3-day saltwater fishing event licenses for disabled persons, authorized, Sec. 9-11-56.5 added; Sec. 9-11-53.1 am'd.
Summary: HB 344 would expand saltwater fishing licenses for veterans and disabled anglers, create a new three-day disabled-angler event license, and add a $1 donation option for fisheries research, while addressing local funding rules.
What This Bill Does
It would allow military veterans who are 20% or more disabled to obtain a saltwater fishing license at a nominal fee. It would add a check-off on licenses to donate $1 to the Division of Marine Resources for fisheries research. It would authorize a new three-day saltwater fishing event license for disabled persons, with specific participation limits, a $100 base fee, and a $5 surcharge for additional disabled participants.

Who It Affects
Military veterans who are 20% or more disabled would have access to a discounted saltwater fishing license.
Disabled residents and nonresidents (and their assistants) could participate in sanctioned three-day saltwater fishing events under the new license, subject to the stated limits and fees.

Key Provisions
Authorize military veterans appreciation saltwater fishing licenses for 20%+ disabled veterans at a nominal fee.
Add a checkbox on license forms allowing a $1 donation to the Division of Marine Resources for fisheries and habitat research.
Authorize a three-day saltwater fishing event license for disabled persons (Section 9-11-56.5).
For the three-day event license: allow up to 20 disabled residents or nonresidents plus up to 20 assistants, for up to 72 hours, with a $100 license fee and an additional $5 per extra disabled person (with possible adjustments for assistants).
License revenue goes to the Marine Resources Fund for research, management, and development of saltwater fisheries.
Includes constitutional/funding language to avoid triggering local expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 due to specified exceptions.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after 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: Conservation and Natural Resources Department