SB38 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Keith KelleySenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Fishing; Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources prohibited from adopting slot limit rule for tournaments on Coosa River under certain conditions

Summary

SB38 would require restocking evidence before any length-based fishing ban in Coosa River tournaments can be adopted.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources cannot implement a rule that bans possessing a fish of a certain length in Coosa River tournaments unless there is demonstrable evidence that restocking attempts have been made and failed. The rule applies specifically to the Coosa River and its reservoirs and overrides conflicting laws to the extent described. The bill sets a clear condition that restocking must be tried and shown to fail before such bans could be put in place.

Who It Affects

• Anglers and participants in Coosa River fishing tournaments, who would be protected from new length-based possession bans unless restocking efforts have failed.
• The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Commissioner, who are restricted from adopting such bans without demonstrable restocking evidence.

Key Provisions

• The Commissioner may not adopt an administrative rule prohibiting possession of a fish of a certain length in a Coosa River tournament unless there is demonstrable evidence that restocking attempts have been made and failed in the area.
• This act applies only to the Coosa River (including its reservoirs) and supersedes conflicting laws to the extent described.
• 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