House Bill 654 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matthew HammettRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Administrative procedure; hunting and fishing seasons and bag creel limits exemption from Alabama Administrative Procedure Act removed

Summary

HB654 would subject hunting and fishing seasons and bag/creel limits to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act’s rulemaking process.

What This Bill Does

The bill removes the current exemption that hunting and fishing seasons and bag/creel limits are not considered 'rules' under the APA, so they would have to follow the APA’s procedures for adopting or amending rules. It also includes nonsubstantive, technical updates to the code language for current style and sets an effective date.

Who It Affects

• Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and its Commissioner (must follow APA rulemaking for seasons and bag limits)
• Hunting and fishing communities and the general public (season and bag/creel decisions would be made through formal APA rulemaking with public input)

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 41-22-3 to remove the exemption for hunting/fishing seasons and bag/creel limits from the definition of 'rule' under the APA.
• Subjects hunting/fishing seasons and bag/creel limits to the procedural process for adopting and amending rules under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
• Includes nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the code language to current style.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 31, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Administrative Law and Procedures