Alabama Senate Bill SB339

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/18/23
• Refer: 5/18/23
• Report Pass: 5/24/23

Caption

Relating to vessels and navigation; to provide for the placement of a uniform system of navigational markers on the waters of this state; to amend Section 33-5-4, Code of Alabama 1975, to require the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to provide general oversight and maintenance of permitted navigational markers on the waters of this state; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.

Impact

The implementation of SB339 is expected to have significant implications for boating and marine activities in Alabama. By standardizing navigational markers, the bill aims to create a safer environment for boaters and mariners, potentially reducing accidents and improving navigation efficiency. The ALEA will play a crucial role in overseeing the placement and maintenance of these markers, which could lead to improved regulatory adherence and greater safety measures across the state’s waterways. Additionally, the bill incorporates technical revisions to enhance the clarity and coherence of the existing code language related to navigation and vessel operation.

Summary

SB339 is a bill introduced to establish a uniform system of navigational markers for the waters of Alabama. The bill's primary directive is to align the state's navigational markers with the regulatory framework provided by the United States Coast Guard. This means that all waterways in Alabama, particularly the Gulf of Mexico and other salt and brackish bodies of water, will need to be marked according to the standards specified in the United States Aids to Navigation System. Moreover, the bill seeks to require the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to oversee and maintain these markers, ensuring compliance with federal standards and enhancing the safety of navigation in the state’s waters.

Contention

While there is broad support for measures aimed at bolstering marine safety, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation and enforcement of these regulations. Stakeholders such as local municipalities or private entities wishing to place navigational markers may face administrative hurdles or delays associated with obtaining the necessary permits from the ALEA. Furthermore, there could be discussions surrounding the costs and responsibilities linked to the maintenance of these markers, as well as the allocation of resources within the ALEA to handle increased oversight duties. Ensuring that local needs and navigational challenges are adequately addressed will be critical in fostering support for the bill.