Senate Bill 89 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David SessionsSenator
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: State Pilotage Commission; statewide laws repealed
Summary: SB89 repeals the statewide State Pilotage Commission and bar pilot licensing rules, while preserving the pilotage framework for Class 2 municipalities, effective June 1, 2026.
What This Bill Does
The bill repeals the statewide laws that created the State Pilotage Commission and the apprenticeship and licensing requirements for bar pilots. It repeals Article 1 (33-4-1 through 33-4-14) and Article 2 (33-4-30 through 33-4-57) of Chapter 4, Title 33. The repeal does not remove the pilotage rules that apply to Class municipalities, which will continue to operate under their own local commissions. The changes take effect on June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Statewide pilots and licensing bodies: would lose the statewide apprenticeship and licensing framework, as the State Pilotage Commission and its related requirements are repealed.
Residents, boat operators, and pilots in Class 2 municipalities: would continue to be regulated under their local (Class municipality) pilotage commissions; the Class municipality framework remains in effect.

Key Provisions
Repeals Article 1 of Chapter 4 Title 33 (Sections 33-4-1 through 33-4-14) establishing the State Pilotage Commission.
Repeals Article 2 of Chapter 4 Title 33 (Sections 33-4-30 through 33-4-57) establishing requirements for bar pilots.
Preserves laws providing for a State Pilotage Commission in Class municipalities (i.e., not repealing Class 2 municipality pilotage laws).
Effective date: June 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: Waters & Boating