HB15 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Craig LipscombRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Commissioner, to require issuance of permit to release black bass into Coosa river under certain circumstances

Summary

HB15 requires the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to issue permits for releasing certain black bass into the Coosa River under defined conditions.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows municipalities or private entities associated with fishing or conservation to apply for and receive a permit to release black bass into the Coosa River, but only if specific criteria are met. It requires the bass to come from a state-approved Alabama hatchery, limits releases to certain subspecies or their first-generation offspring, and requires the applicant to pay all costs. The department can deny permits for environmental, pathogenic, or public health reasons, and it preserves the option to permit other black bass subspecies in Coosa River segments when appropriate for the fishery; the department will adopt rules to implement the law, and the act takes effect June 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Municipalities or private entities associated with fishing or conservation that want to release black bass into the Coosa River (they must meet conditions and cover all costs).
• The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (which issues or denies permits and approves hatcheries) and state-approved Alabama fish hatcheries (which must supply bass from approved sources and ensure compliance).

Key Provisions

• The commissioner must issue a permit to a municipality or private entity to introduce and place black bass into the Coosa River if specific conditions are met.
• Bass must be obtained from an Alabama hatchery located in-state that is approved by the department.
• Only Northern Largemouth Bass subspecies, Florida Bass subspecies, or first-generation offspring of these subspecies may be introduced.
• The applicant bears all costs related to purchase, transport, and introduction of the bass.
• The commissioner may deny a permit for environmental, pathogenic, or biological concerns or to protect public health and welfare.
• The section does not prohibit permits for other black bass subspecies in Coosa River segments if appropriate for the fishery.
• The Department shall adopt rules to implement this section.
• Effective date: 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; Environmental Protection