HB578 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Hanes

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Will DismukesBrett EasterbrookLynn GreerArnold MooneyChris SellsShane StringerTim Wadsworth

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Fishing, paddlefish season, license from Conservation and Natural Resources Dept., regulation, fines

Summary

HB578 would create a limited paddlefish fishing season on three Alabama rivers with a cap on licenses, specific net and handling rules, and penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the Department could issue up to 40 paddlefish licenses for December 1 to April 30 on the Tennessee, Alabama, and Tombigbee Rivers. Residents would pay $1,000 per season, and nonresidents could receive a license only if their state allows Alabama residents to buy a paddlefish license, at the same price that state charges. Preference would go to people who have participated in the paddlefish management program, with remaining licenses issued on a first-come basis. Licensees would follow net rules (at least 6-inch mesh, up to 100 yards, up to 10 nets, and checks at least every 24 hours) and could have one unlicensed helper; they must tag paddlefish and manage roe under strict handling rules, including limits on tagged fish and roe processing on the boat near the dock, and there would be a misdemeanor penalty of up to $500 for violations, effective immediately.

Who It Affects

• Paddlefish license applicants (residents and nonresidents) who want to fish on the Tennessee, Alabama, and Tombigbee Rivers: they would be limited to at most 40 licenses, must pay the specified price, and would follow the defined priority and purchasing rules.
• Licensed paddlefish fishers and roe processors: they would must use specified nets, keep and tag fish and roe according to rules, and face penalties if they violate the rules.

Key Provisions

• Open season from December 1 to April 30 on the Tennessee River, the Alabama River, and the Tombigbee River; Department may not issue more than 40 licenses total.
• License costs: $1,000 per season for residents; nonresidents may licenses only if their state allows Alabama residents to buy a paddlefish license, at the same price that state charges for its residents; priority to those who participated in paddlefish management; remaining licenses issued on a first-come basis.
• Net restrictions: gill nets with mesh not less than six inches; up to 100 yards of nets; up to 10 nets at a time; nets must be maintained and checked at least every 24 hours; one unlicensed helper allowed on the boat.
• Tagging and processing rules: Department issues 100 tags per licensee to tag paddlefish; up to 100 female paddlefish with roe; roe removed on the boat within 50 yards of the dock; roe kept in separate containers with tags; fish kept on the boat during processing and transfer to buyer; licensee may keep up to 10 fish without roe.
• Penalties: violation is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $500.
• Effective date: act becomes law immediately after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Game and Fish