Bill > HB463

This bill amends existing Alabama law to prohibit the transfer of catfish, which are members of the Ictaluridae family, out of the state if they are caught from public waters, as defined by Section 9-11-80 of the Alabama Code. Previously, the law only restricted the out-of-state transport of game fish beyond a day's creel limit for personal use, with minor penalties. Under this new legislation, anyone violating the prohibition on transporting catfish harvested from public waters will face increased criminal penalties: a first offense will be a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $1,000, and subsequent offenses will be a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $2,000. This act is set to become effective on October 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search