HB596 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Chris SellsRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Catfish; transfer out of state of those harvested in public waters prohibited; criminal penalties for violations established
Summary: HB596 would bar transporting live catfish harvested from Alabama public waters out of state and creates penalties for violations.
What This Bill Does
The bill adds a prohibition that no person may transport out of this state a live catfish harvested from public waters (family Ictaluridae, as defined in the bill). Violations would be a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $2,000 per violation. It takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects
Individuals, firms, or corporations who harvest live catfish from Alabama public waters and might transport them out of state, who would be subject to the new prohibition and penalties.
Law enforcement and state authorities responsible for enforcing the prohibition.

Key Provisions
Prohibits transporting out of state a live fish of the family Ictaluridae harvested from public waters.
Violations are Class B misdemeanors with a fine of not less than $2,000 per violation.
Applies to any person, firm, or corporation transporting live catfish harvested from public waters beyond Alabama's borders.
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: Conservation & Natural Resources