HB473 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shane StringerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Boards of water and sewer commissions; prohibited from restricting public recreational uses of controlled water bodies

Summary

HB473 would stop city boards of water and sewer commissions from restricting public recreational use of water bodies they own or control, while making minor drafting updates.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill adds a prohibition in Section 11-50-343 preventing boards from restricting public recreation (including fishing and boating) on water bodies they own or control. It preserves the boards’ broad powers to operate and manage water and sewer systems, set fees, enter contracts, and carry out related duties, but without restricting recreational access. The bill also makes nonsubstantive drafting changes to update the code language to current style. It would take effect on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Boards of water and sewer commissioners: prohibited from restricting public recreational use of water bodies they own or control.
• Public recreation users (e.g., anglers, boaters, and other members of the public): gain protection to access and use those water bodies for recreation, subject to any applicable board rules not restricting recreation.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits boards from restricting the public's recreational use of water bodies owned or controlled by the board, including fishing and boating.
• Provides nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the code language to current style.
• Effective date: October 1, 2025.

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

Subjects

Authorities, Boards, & Commissions