Senate Bill 124 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David SessionsSenator
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: State waters; Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force established to remediate seagrass loss
Summary: SB124 would create the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to guide a 10-year plan to restore seagrass in state waters and address ecological and economic impacts.
What This Bill Does
It establishes the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to research and develop restoration technologies and approaches for coastal seagrass ecosystems in state marine waters. The task force includes cochairs from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama, plus other public officials, university representatives, a private sector member, and marine environmental organizations. It requires the group to develop a 10-year restoration plan, coordinate public and private efforts, and report progress to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab would serve as the fiscal agent and provide staff, with the act allowing use of funds, gifts, and donations to support restoration work, and it mandates inclusive appointments reflecting the state's diversity, with the initial meeting due by January 1, 2027 and meetings at least twice per year.

Who It Affects
Coastal communities and Alabama's marine ecosystems, who would benefit from seagrass restoration and related ecological and economic improvements.
Public and private universities, research institutions, and marine environmental organizations that participate on the task force, who would be involved in governance, research, and potential funding decisions.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to address seagrass loss in state marine waters.
Specifies task force membership, including cochairs from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama, plus legislators, agency heads, a private sector member, a university (other than USA), and two members from non-university marine environmental organizations with appointments by House and Lt. Governor.
Requires the task force to develop a 10-year Alabama Seagrass Restoration Plan outlining tools, approaches, and technologies for restoration.
Designates the Dauphin Island Sea Lab as fiscal agent, allows use of funds to engage with other marine science organizations, and permits gifts or grants from private and federal sources to support activities.
Requires initial meeting by January 1, 2027 and minimum biannual meetings thereafter; mandates progress reporting to the Governor, President Pro Tempore, Speaker, and Commissioner.
Effective date is October 1, 2026.

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