HB422 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim WadsworthRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to the waters of the state impounded by Lewis Smith Dam (Lewis Smith Lake), to the waters of the state impounded by R.L. Harris Dam (Lake Wedowee), and on Shoals Creek in Lauderdale County north of Highway 72; to regulate and prohibit wakeboarding and wakesurfing under certain conditions; to provide penalties for violations; 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

HB422 would regulate and restrict wakeboarding and wakesurfing on Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Wedowee, and Shoals Creek, with penalties for violations and a constitutional local-funding exception.

What This Bill Does

HB422 would regulate and prohibit wakeboarding and wakesurfing on the specified waters under certain conditions. It defines wakeboarding and wakesurfing and sets rules such as no activity from sunset to sunrise, in water segments narrower than 400 feet, within 200 feet of shore or structures, and without a USCG-approved life jacket. It imposes fines for violations (at least $100 for a first violation and at least $200 for subsequent violations in the same year) and allows the court to suspend or revoke safety certifications; for one year after enactment, a first violation carries a written warning. It provides an exemption for approved regattas or similar events, requires public notification by state agencies, and states the bill does not require local funding approval under Section 111.05 because it creates or amends a crime; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after governor's signature.

Who It Affects

• Recreational boaters who wakeboard or wakesurf on the specified waters (they would be subject to the rules, penalties, and potential certification suspensions).
• State law enforcement and agency staff (ALEA and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) responsible for enforcing the new rules, issuing citations, and notifying the public.

Key Provisions

• Applies to Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Wedowee, and Shoals Creek north of Highway 72; defines motorboat, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing.
• Prohibits wakeboarding and wakesurfing under conditions: sunset to sunrise; water portion < 400 feet wide; within 200 feet of shorelines or structures; not wearing a USCG-approved PFD.
• Fines: first violation at least $100; second or subsequent violation in the same calendar year at least $200; possible revocation or suspension of boating/safety certifications for the calendar year.
• Prosecution by citation; exemption for approved regattas or events with written Marine Police Division approval; agencies to notify the public.
• One-year grace period: first violation written warning; subsequent violations in the year treated as a first violation under the penalties.
• Section 111.05 exemption: bill is not subject to local funding requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime; effective date is the first day of the third month after governor's signature.

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

Subjects

Lewis Smith Lake, wakeboarding and wakesurfing regulated and prohibited under certain conditions, penalties.