SB35 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes KitchensSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Vessel Registration; amends boater registration fees and their distribution

Summary

SB35 overhauls Alabama's vessel registration by consolidating fees, creating a new fee schedule by vessel size, adding a $2 issuance fee, shifting funds to state programs, and implementing a staggered monthly registration system starting January 1, 2027.

What This Bill Does

It consolidates existing vessel registration fees into a single schedule based on vessel length and adds a $2 issuance fee for each certificate. It defines how registration money is distributed: portions go to ALEA, the State Water Safety Fund, and the State Reservoir Management Grant Fund, with the remainder going to the State Treasury for the Water Safety Fund. It creates a staggered monthly registration system determined by the vessel owner's last name, and adds an inspection fee of $25 for homemade boats along with a $5 additional registration fee for Classes 1–4 to fund the Reservoir Grant Fund; the act takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Who It Affects

• Vessel owners and operators who will pay the new base registration fees by vessel length, a $2 issuance fee, and will register on a staggered monthly cycle beginning after the conversion period.
• Dealers, manufacturers, and local issuing authorities (such as judges of probate) who issue registrations and certificates, collect the issuance fee, and participate in the new fund distribution structure.

Key Provisions

• Consolidates vessel registration fees into a single schedule by vessel length and adds a $2 issuance fee for each registration certificate.
• Imposes an additional $5 registration fee for Classes 1–4 vessels, with the funds deposited into the State Reservoir Management Grant Fund; the $2 issuance fee remains separate.
• Directs registration monies (excluding the $2 issuance fee) to ALEA and then to the State Water Safety Fund and State Reservoir Management Grant Fund as specified, with any remainder deposited into the State Water Safety Fund.
• Establishes a staggered, name-based monthly registration system (conversion period included) and sets the initial registration month schedule for dealers, livery boats, and manufacturers; after conversion, registrations follow the assigned month by the owner's last name initial.
• Includes an inspection fee of $25 for homemade boats and provides for labeling adjustments for dealers/manufacturers; the act also makes nonsubstantive technical revisions to update code language.
• Effective date: January 1, 2027.

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