SB63 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim McClendon
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Underwater Cultural Resources Act, definition of cultural resources, items eligible for, or listed in, the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Hertiage deleted, Sec. 41-9-291 am'd.
Summary: SB 63 amends the Underwater Cultural Resources Act to remove the exclusion of items eligible for or listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage from being classified as cultural resources.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, more underwater items could be treated as cultural resources under state law because the listing-based exclusion is removed. The Alabama Historical Commission would continue to oversee and regulate exploration and excavation through permits or contracts. The definition of cultural resources would still cover abandoned shipwrecks and underwater artifacts on state submerged lands that have been unclaimed for over 50 years, with certain exclusions for sunken logs, cant, and timber not part of a ship.

Who It Affects
Contractors and organizations performing underwater exploration or excavation in Alabama state waters (permitted activities would apply to a broader set of artifacts).
Archaeologists and researchers studying submerged cultural resources (their work may involve resources that are no longer excluded from the definition of cultural resources).

Key Provisions
Deletes the clause that excludes items eligible for or listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage from being considered CULTURAL RESOURCES under the act.
Retains the rest of the act's framework—definitions of cultural resources, excavation and exploration activities, and the Alabama Historical Commission as custodian—while noting the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after 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: Historical Commission