HB271 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Apr 6, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Shane StringerRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Hunting and Fishing Licenses; lifetime disabled resident licenses established
Summary: HB271 creates lifetime disabled resident hunting and fishing licenses in Alabama, with age-based fees and designated endowment fund deposits, effective October 1, 2026.
What This Bill Does
The bill allows eligible individuals to replace annual licenses with lifetime versions starting in the 2026 license year. It sets age-based fees for each type of license: under 50 years old pay $50 and those 50 or older pay $30, for hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing licenses, with a possible $1 issuance fee. Fees are directed to specific endowment funds, licenses are non-transferable, and holders receive wildlife heritage license privileges; applications can be filed with the Commissioner or as authorized. The act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Disabled Alabama residents who currently need hunting or fishing licenses and choose to obtain lifetime licenses in lieu of annual licenses, with costs based on their age and license type.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administers the program, and the fees go to the designated endowment funds (Game and Fish Endowment Fund for hunting and freshwater licenses; Marine Resources Endowment Fund for saltwater licenses).

Key Provisions
Establishes new Section 9-11-54.1 to create lifetime disabled resident licenses for hunting and fishing.
Allows eligible individuals to buy lifetime licenses in lieu of annual licenses starting with the 2026 license year.
Implements age-based fee structure: under 50 years old $50; 50 years or older $30 for each lifetime license type (hunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing).
Requires fees to be deposited into the respective endowment funds: Game and Fish Endowment Fund for hunting and freshwater fishing; Alabama Marine Resources Endowment Fund for saltwater fishing.
May impose a $1 issuance fee for licenses or combinations of licenses; fees may be adjusted as permitted by law.
Applications may be filed with the Commissioner or as otherwise authorized; licenses are non-transferable.
License holders receive all privileges of a wildlife heritage license.
Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 26, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Conservation & Natural Resources