House Bill 387 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shane StringerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

HB387 would prohibit boards of water and sewer commissions from restricting public recreational use of water bodies they own or control unless a substantial public interest is demonstrated, and it also updates the code language.

What This Bill Does

HB387 would restrict boards from limiting public recreational use of water bodies unless a substantial public interest justifies it, and require a public hearing with at least 10 days' notice before any restriction or closure. It allows emergency restrictions for up to 90 days without a hearing if an emergency exists, with a required public hearing after 90 days. The bill creates a path to appeal restrictions or closures to the circuit court and applies to navigable waterways within 50 miles of the Gulf of Mexico that serve as drinking water, while making nonsubstantive technical updates to the code language.

Who It Affects

• Public recreational users of water bodies owned or controlled by boards, who would gain protection and hearing rights before restrictions.
• Boards of water and sewer commissions and city governments that administer these water bodies, who would face new hearing, notice, and appeal requirements.

Key Provisions

• Restriction of public recreation uses allowed only if substantial public interest is shown, with at least 10 days' notice and a public hearing before restricting or closing a water body.
• Emergency restrictions allowed for up to 90 days without a hearing if an emergency exists, after which a public hearing must be held.
• Restrictions or closures may be appealed to the circuit court.
• Scope includes navigable waterways within 50 miles of the Gulf of Mexico that serve as drinking water sources; bill also includes non-substantive technical edits to update language.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Waters & Boating