SB272 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Garlan GudgerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to the waters of the state impounded by Lewis Smith Dam; 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

SB272 would regulate and prohibit wakeboarding and wakesurfing on Lewis Smith Lake under specific conditions and set penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

SB272 would regulate and prohibit wakeboarding and wakesurfing on Lewis Smith Lake under specific conditions. It bans these activities from sunset to sunrise, in areas narrower than 400 feet, within 200 feet of shorelines or structures, and unless participants wear a Coast Guard‑approved life jacket. Violations carry fines (minimum $100 for a first offense and at least $200 for later offenses in the same calendar year) and may include suspension or revocation of boating certifications; there is a one-year grace period with warnings for first violations. The bill creates a new crime, provides exemptions for approved regattas or events, and requires public notification of the rules; it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Recreational wakeboarders and wakesurfers using Lewis Smith Lake would face new restrictions and possible fines or certification consequences.
• Law enforcement and boating safety agencies (e.g., Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) would enforce the rules, issue citations, and may suspend or revoke certifications for violators.

Key Provisions

• Applies only to the waters of Lewis Smith Lake and defines wakeboarding and wakesurfing.
• Prohibits wakeboarding and wakesurfing under conditions: sunset to sunrise; water width less than 400 feet; within 200 feet of shorelines or structures; and without wearing a US Coast Guard-approved PFD.
• Imposes penalties: minimum $100 for a first violation; at least $200 for a second or subsequent violation in the same calendar year; possible revocation or suspension of boating or vessel certifications for the calendar year; prosecutions by citation; one-year grace period with warnings for first violations.
• Exempts regattas, races, parades, or other approved marine events; requires public notification of requirements by enforcing agencies.
• Affirms that the bill creates a new crime and is exempt from certain local-expenditure rules; effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

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.