SB281 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Garlan GudgerSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

J.T. Waggoner

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Navigation, operation of vessels, wake boarding and wake surfing restrictions and requirements, provided, criminal penalty for violation, provided

Summary

SB281 would prohibit wake surfing on Alabama public waters under specific conditions and establish penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It defines wake surfing and bans it under certain conditions, such as between sunset and sunrise, on small or narrow bodies of water, near shorelines or structures, or without a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. It creates criminal penalties for violations: a first offense is a Class B misdemeanor with at least a $150 fine, and a second or later offense in the same year is a Class A misdemeanor with at least a $250 fine and possible loss of boating safety certification for the year; there is also a one-year grace period where first offenses are warnings and later offenses carry the Class B penalty. The bill also provides exemptions for approved regattas or similar events and notes the law would take effect a few months after signing.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who wake surf or attempt to wake surf on public Alabama waters, who would face prohibitions and fines if they do not meet the conditions.
• Boat operators and vessel owners (and those holding boating safety or vessel operator certifications) who could face fines and possible certification suspensions for violations; enforcement would apply on public waters.
• Event organizers and Marine Police Division staff, who would handle exemptions for approved regattas or events and enforce the rules.

Key Provisions

• Wake surfing is prohibited on public waters under these conditions: between sunset and sunrise; on water bodies smaller than 50 acres; on boats with propulsion extending beyond the platform; on portions of water with width less than 400 feet; within 200 feet of any shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse, or other structure; and when not wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Penalties: first violation is a Class B misdemeanor with at least a $150 fine; second or subsequent violation in the same calendar year is a Class A misdemeanor with at least a $250 fine and possible revocation or suspension of boating safety or vessel operator certification for the calendar year.
• One-year grace period: for the first violation during the year after the act takes effect, a written warning is issued; for a second or subsequent violation, the person is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor with at least a $150 fine.
• Exemptions: regattas, races, trail runs, parades, tournaments, or exhibitions on state waters are exempt if a written marine event application is approved by the Marine Police Division.
• Legal/operational note: the bill states it creates a new crime and is exempt from certain local-funding requirements under Amendment 621/890; the act would become effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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

Boats and Boating