HB181 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Craig LipscombRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: State Waters, Alabama Waters Task Force created
Summary: HB181 would create the permanent Alabama Waters Task Force to study and address issues related to Alabama's water resources.
What This Bill Does
It creates the Alabama Waters Task Force with a broad mix of lawmakers, state agency leaders, and representatives from water-related organizations. The task force will study how Alabama's water resources affect the state and propose methods and actions, including legislation, to increase trade and economic development along its waters while protecting water quality. State agencies will provide staff and space, and members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for meeting expenses; the group must report annually to top state leaders.

Who It Affects
State government and agencies (e.g., Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Management, and related offices) by coordinating appointments, providing staff support, and guiding policy on water resources.
Water-related organizations and regional associations (e.g., Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association, TriRivers Waterway Development Association, Tennessee River Valley Association, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Mobile Baykeeper, and others) whose appointed members participate and help shape recommendations on development, protection, and management of Alabama's waterways.

Key Provisions
Creates the Alabama Waters Task Force to identify and address issues related to Alabama's water resources.
Defines membership: chair from the House Ports, Waterways, and Intermodal Transit Committee; two House members; two Senate members; and multiple agency and organizational appointees, plus specific authority representatives.
Requires appointing authorities to ensure diverse and inclusive membership reflecting the state's racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity.
Members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.
Initial meeting by January 1, 2025; meetings at least twice per year thereafter.
Task force will study impact of water resources and recommend actions, including legislation to promote trade/economic development along waters and to protect/improve water quality.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Management will provide staff and meeting space.
An annual report of findings and recommendations must be sent to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House on the first day of each regular session.
The act becomes effective October 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: Economic Development; Environmental Protection; Waters & Boating