HB14 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Craig LipscombRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Consumption of fishes, to provide for fish consumption advisories
Summary: HB14 would require a state framework to issue fish consumption advisories, monitor fish pollutants, and provide public access to advisory information in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
State Health Officer would issue fish consumption advisories when needed to protect public health, in consultation with the Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. The bill would create an advisory panel, to meet at least annually, to recommend how to analyze, develop, and implement advisories with members from multiple agencies and other necessary groups. ADEM would periodically test fish tissue for pollutants and publish an annual methodology and findings report on its website, with opportunities for public comment. ADEM would post signage at public boat ramps near waters with active advisories, and DCR would provide an online address where all active advisories can be accessed with each electronic fishing license issuance.

Who It Affects
Alabama residents who fish or eat fish would receive advisories and have access to information about safety of consuming fish.
State agencies and departments (State Health Officer, ADEM, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) would take on new duties to issue advisories, monitor pollutants, publish reports, and provide signage and online access to advisory information.

Key Provisions
State Health Officer shall issue fish consumption advisories when reasonable and necessary to protect public health, published on the Health Department's website with a dedicated information line.
An advisory panel shall be established to advise on how to analyze, develop, and implement advisories, with annual meetings and representation from HPH, ADEM, DCR, and other necessary groups.
ADEM shall periodically test fish tissue for pollutants and publish an annual report detailing methods and reasoning, with the public allowed to comment.
ADEM shall post signage at public boat ramps adjacent to waters with active advisories, including a phone number, internet address, and quick-response code for advisory information, water quality, and discharge permits.
DCR shall provide an internet address where all active advisories can be accessed with each electronic fishing license issuance.
Effective date is June 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Conservation & Natural Resources; Health