Senate Bill 326 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Vessels; Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency; adoption of anchoring and rafting rules authorized, boating violation established

Summary

SB326 would let ALEA create rules about anchoring and rafting of vessels, with enforcement mechanisms and penalties that count as boating violations.

What This Bill Does

ALEA would, in consultation with other regulatory agencies, adopt rules regulating where and how vessels may anchor or raft. The rules could include minimum distance requirements and location-specific restrictions (such as near public access areas, shorelines, marinas, or parks) and a process to remove long-term, unlawful, or unsafe anchored vessels. Enforcement tools could include citations, impounding, towing, storing, disposing of vessels, and associated fees. A violation would be treated as a boating violation, and the act takes effect October 1, 2026, while not limiting federal authority over state waters.

Who It Affects

• Vessel owners and operators: could be cited, fined, or subject to towing, storage, or disposal of vessels for violating the new anchoring/rafting rules; may need to comply with distance and location restrictions.
• State agencies, including ALEA and cooperating regulatory entities, and waterfront property owners: responsible for creating, enforcing, and funding and implementing the anchoring/rafting rules to improve safety, navigation, and environmental protections.

Key Provisions

• ALEA may adopt rules regulating anchoring and rafting of vessels, in consultation with specified regulatory authorities.
• Rules may establish restrictions including minimum distances and location-specific limitations for anchoring and rafting.
• Enforcement procedures may include citations, impounding, towing, storing, and disposing of violating vessels, along with related fees.
• A violation of these rules is punishable as a boating violation under Section 33-5-35, and the act does not limit federal authority over waters in the state.
• Effective date is October 1, 2026.

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

Subjects

Waters & Boating