Bill > SB64

This bill requires individuals or businesses that commercially cut, trim, sever, or uproot aquatic plants in public waters to use commercially reasonable methods to remove the cut plant matter from those waters. If a person violates this requirement, they will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and fined at least $500, with the fine going to the primary law enforcement agency enforcing the regulation. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is tasked with creating rules that define "commercially reasonable methods" for removing cut aquatic plant material from public waters. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, and applies specifically to public waters as defined in Section 9-11-80 of the Alabama Code. The legislation aims to maintain the cleanliness and ecological balance of public water systems by ensuring that commercial aquatic plant cutting operations clean up after their work.