HB358 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ginny ShaverRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to vessels; to amend Sections 33-5-3, 33-5-4, 33-5-5, 33-5-6, 33-5-7, 33-5-8, 33-5-10, 33-5-12, 33-5-15, 33-5-16, 33-5-20, 33-5-21, 33-5-22, 33-5-23, 33-5-25, 33-5-26, 33-5-27, 33-5-28, 33-5-30, 33-5-31, 33-5-32, 33-5-34, 33-5-35, 33-5-36, 33-5-51, 33-5-52, 33-5-53, 33-5-54, 33-5-55, 33-5-56, 33-5-58, 33-5-59, 33-5-60, 33-5-61, 33-5-62, 33-5-63, 33-5-64, 33-5-65, 33-5-66, 33-5-67, 33-5-68, 33-5-69, 33-5-70, 33-5-71, 33-5-72, 33-5-73, 33-5-74, 33-5-75, 33-5-77, 33-5-79, 33-5-81, Code of Alabama 1975, to establish the classification of boating violation as a recognized criminal offense classification and to reclassify various criminal offenses as boating violations and further provide for criminal penalties; to further provide for the requirement to report certain boating accidents; to further provide for the general operational and equipment requirements of a vessel; to further provide for vessel horsepower requirements and the use of engine cut-off switches; to establish the uniform electronic boating traffic ticket and provide for its issuance; to amend Sections 12-12-50, 12-12-51, 12-12-52, 12-12-55, and 12-19-179, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide the district court with jurisdiction over boating violations and further provide for the court costs and fees for boating violations; to amend Section 41-27-6, Code of Alabama 1975, to rename the Marine Police Division within the Department of Public Safety to the Marine Patrol Division; to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style; to repeal Sections 33-5-22.1, 33-5-29, 33-5-33, and 33-5-78, Code of Alabama 1975; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Summary

HB358 rewrites Alabama boating laws by creating a boating-violation offense, renaming the Marine Police Division to Marine Patrol and moving enforcement to ALEA, while tightening safety rules and establishing a uniform electronic boating ticket.

What This Bill Does

It creates Boating Violation as a new offense with penalties similar to traffic infractions, and places boating violations under district court jurisdiction with associated costs and fees. It renames the Marine Police Division to the Marine Patrol Division and designates its officers as state troopers under ALEA, who would administer and enforce the boating laws and issue a uniform electronic boating traffic ticket. It overhauls safety and equipment rules, requires boater safety certification (with fees, renewals, and reciprocity with other states), updates hours for water-skiing, and aligns many rules with federal standards, while repealing several older provisions.

Who It Affects

• Boaters and vessel operators in Alabama, who would face the new boating-violation offenses, mandatory boater safety certification, updated equipment requirements, reporting duties, and potential penalties and fees.
• Alabama law enforcement, the district courts, and local governments, which would implement and administer the new boating-violation framework, the uniform electronic ticket, funding allocations, and related enforcement activities.

Key Provisions

• Creates Boating Violation as a new offense with penalties up to a $200 fine and/or up to 30 days in county jail, places boating violations under exclusive district court jurisdiction, and establishes a uniform electronic boating traffic ticket with a point system for certifications.
• Renames the Marine Police Division to the Marine Patrol Division within the Department of Public Safety, designates its officers as state troopers under ALEA, and sets up a comprehensive framework for vessel operation, safety equipment, boater safety certification (including fees, renewals, color photographs, reciprocity, and enforcement), plus related funding and administrative changes.

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