HB502 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jennifer FidlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to vessels and navigation; to provide for the placement of a uniform system of navigational markers on the waters of this state; to amend Section 33-5-4, Code of Alabama 1975, to require the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to provide general oversight and maintenance of permitted navigational markers on the waters of this state; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.

Summary

HB502 would create a uniform navigational-marker system for Alabama waters, place oversight and maintenance of markers under the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, and reorganize marine police duties within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

What This Bill Does

It requires a state-wide, uniform system of navigational markers and directs the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to adopt rules that align with the U.S. Coast Guard’s navigation system. It requires anyone who wants to place markers to apply to the agency with a map, marker list, specifications, purpose, and responsible people, and the agency will assist with Coast Guard permission and issue permits, keeping records of approvals. It also creates a Division of Marine Police within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and assigns it duties such as vessel registration, fee handling, accident reporting, and the general oversight and maintenance of permitted navigational markers, applying to Gulf of Mexico and all other Alabama waters.

Who It Affects

• Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (oversight, permitting, coordination with Coast Guard)
• Local governments and private groups wanting to place navigational markers (must apply for permits and provide required information)

Key Provisions

• Establish a uniform system of navigational markers for Alabama waters compatible with the USCG Aids to Navigation System.
• Waters must be marked in conformity with the adopted rules and USCG system; markers may be placed only as provided in the act.
• Permits for placing markers are issued by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency; applicants must submit map, marker list, specifications, purpose, and responsible individuals; agency assists with Coast Guard permissions and keeps records.
• Amends Section 33-5-4 to create the Division of Marine Police within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and assigns responsibilities for vessel registration, fee collection, accident reporting, and general oversight and maintenance of markers.

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

Subjects

Vessels; placement of navigational markers on waters of this state, provided