HB297 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Craig LipscombRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: Relating to consumption of fishes; to require the State Health Officer to issue advisories concerning fish consumption and to establish a panel to advise on and discuss this issue; to require the Department of Environmental Management to test fishes for pollutants and post signage at water bodies notifying of an active fish consumption advisory; to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to notify fish license purchasers of all active advisories; and to require holders of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits to post signage identifying outfalls.
Summary: HB297 would establish a formal statewide fish consumption advisory program in Alabama, backed by monitoring, signage, and notifications to protect public health.
What This Bill Does
The State Health Officer, with the Department of Environmental Management, would issue fish consumption advisories when needed. An advisory panel would be created to advise on the program, with members from key agencies and other stakeholders, meeting at least annually. DEM would regularly test fish for pollutants and post signage at water access points when advisories are active, and publish an annual report detailing methods and reasoning. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources would notify fishing license purchasers of active advisories, and NPDES permit holders would post signs identifying where pollution enters state waters.

Who It Affects
Residents and visitors who fish or use Alabama waters would receive advisories and safety information about which fish are safe to eat and in what amounts.
Fisheries license buyers would be notified of active advisories at the time of electronic license issuance.
Pollution dischargers and facilities with NPDES permits would be required to post signage identifying outfalls and pollution entry points.
State and local agencies involved in public health, environmental management, and natural resources would implement, monitor, and communicate advisories.

Key Provisions
State Health Officer, in consultation with the ADEM Director, shall issue fish consumption advisories when necessary to protect public health.
An advisory panel shall be established to analyze, develop, and implement the fish consumption advisory program, with representatives from ADPH, ADEM, CDNR, and other appropriate entities, meeting at least annually.
ADEM shall conduct regular fish tissue monitoring and publish an annual, publicly commentable report detailing methods and reasoning for species and pollutants evaluated.
ADPH shall publish advisories on its website and maintain a dedicated telephone number for advisory information.
ADEM shall post signage at public boat ramps or fishing areas near state waters with active advisories, including a picture and the common name of each affected species, recommended human consumption levels, pregnancy/nursing warnings, and contact information plus a QR code/URL for more details.
CDNR shall notify electronic fishing license purchasers of all active advisories by providing an internet address to access them.
NPDES permit holders shall post signage identifying where pollution enters state waters.
The act becomes law immediately after governor approval (or otherwise).

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