HB38 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Jan 29, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Chip BrownRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: State waters; Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force established to remediate seagrass loss within state marine waters
Summary: HB38 creates the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to develop a 10-year plan to restore seagrass and sea oats in state marine waters.
What This Bill Does
It establishes a task force to lead research, testing, and adoption of restoration technologies for coastal seagrass ecosystems. It sets broad membership, including university leaders, a private sector member, state agencies, and marine environmental groups, with cochairs from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama. It requires the development of a 10-year Alabama Seagrass and Sea Oats Restoration Plan and progress reporting, with initial meeting by January 1, 2027, and at least two meetings per year. It designates the Dauphin Island Sea Lab as fiscal agent, allows use of funds and donations, and provides staff support and administrative rules to support the effort; the law becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Researchers and academic institutions in Alabama (including the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the University of South Alabama, and other state universities) who will participate in the task force and contribute expertise to restoration efforts.
Private sector coastal businesses and public/private marine environmental organizations that are represented on the task force and stand to benefit from restored seagrass habitats.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to coordinate restoration efforts and develop restoration technologies for state marine waters.
Sets the task force membership, including cochairs from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama; does include legislative members, agency heads, academic representatives, a private sector member, and two marine environmental organization reps, with diversity requirements.
Requires the development of a 10-year Alabama Seagrass and Sea Oats Restoration Plan outlining tools, approaches, and technologies for restoration, plus progress reports to the Governor and legislative leaders.
Designates Dauphin Island Sea Lab as fiscal agent, permits use of funds and acceptance of gifts/donations, provides staff support, and sets meeting frequency (initial by Jan 1, 2027; at least twice yearly), with reporting on progress and recommendations.
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