HB38 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chip BrownRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

State waters; Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force established to remediate seagrass loss within state marine waters

Summary

HB38 creates the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to develop and oversee a 10-year plan to restore seagrass in state marine waters.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a task force to lead the development and testing of new, effective, and sustainable technologies to restore coastal seagrass. The group includes government, university, private sector, and public/private marine organizations to guide research and implementation. It requires a 10-year Seagrass and Sea Oats Restoration Plan, regular progress reports, and coordinated funding and governance, with staff support from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The act also outlines who pays for and staffs the task force and sets meeting timing and reporting deadlines.

Who It Affects

• Public and private universities and marine research organizations in Alabama (e.g., Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama) that participate as leaders, co-chairs, and researchers in seagrass restoration efforts.
• Coastal counties, state agencies, private sector stakeholders, and other appointed representatives (e.g., Mobile and Baldwin County Commissions, Governor-appointed private sector member) that appoint members, provide funding or policy support, and help implement the restoration plan.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to lead and expedite restoration technology development for seagrass ecosystems in state waters.
• Defines task force membership, including co-chairs from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama, plus regional policymakers, agencies, universities, private sector, and local government representatives.
• Requires the creation of a 10-year Alabama Seagrass and Sea Oats Restoration Plan and progress reports submitted before each regular legislative session.
• Designates the Dauphin Island Sea Lab as fiscal agent, allows use of funds for engagement with other research organizations, and permits acceptance of gifts and grants.
• Compensates legislative members for attendance; nonlegislative members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for certain expenses.
• Initial task force meeting by January 1, 2027, with at least two meetings per year thereafter; staff support and meeting space provided by the Sea Lab.
• Requires coordination to ensure diverse representation and creates procedures for filling vacancies and updating appointments.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Conservation & Natural Resources