AL
Alabama House Bill HB14

Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB14

Introduced
2/6/24  
Introduced
2/6/24  

Caption

Consumption of fishes, to provide for fish consumption advisories

Impact

This bill impacts state laws by introducing structured guidelines for issuing fish consumption advisories. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management will be tasked with the assessment of fish for pollutants and will create signage at boat ramps to alert the public to any active advisories. Additionally, this legislation requires that advisories be readily accessible, highlighting a commitment to transparency and public safety in outdoor recreational activities, which are culturally significant to many residents.

Summary

House Bill 14, known as the Safe and Healthy Outdoor Recreation Act, aims to enhance public health measures regarding the consumption of fish in Alabama. The bill mandates the State Health Officer to issue advisories on fish consumption, particularly in cases where it is deemed necessary for the protection of public health. It establishes a framework for periodic evaluations of local fish populations and their safety for consumption, thereby informing the residents of Alabama of any potential health risks associated with consuming fish caught from certain water bodies.

Contention

While the bill promotes a proactive health approach, there could be contention surrounding the specifics of the advisory panel's recommendations and the adequacy of funding for ongoing environmental monitoring efforts. Critics may argue about the potential bureaucratic hindrance in quickly addressing health risks or the resources allocated for testing and public communication regarding fish consumption. Moreover, differing opinions on the thresholds for advisories could arise, impacting fishermen and public sentiment around outdoor recreation.

Latest HB14 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

TX SB506

Relating to consumption advisories for mercury contamination in fish, crustaceans, molluscan shellfish, and other aquatic and terrestrial animals.

TX HB993

Relating to public notice by the Parks and Wildlife Department of consumption advisories for mercury contamination in certain aquatic and terrestrial animals, including fish, crustaceans, and molluscan shellfish.

AL SB45

Fish Consumption; to create and provide procedures to implement fish consumption advisories

AL SB105

Relating to consumption of fishes; to require the State Health Officer to issue advisories concerning fish consumption and to establish a panel to advise on and discuss this issue; to require the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to test fishes for pollutants and post signage at water bodies notifying of an active fish consumption advisory; and to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to notify fish license purchasers of all active advisories.

AL HB297

Relating to consumption of fishes; to require the State Health Officer to issue advisories concerning fish consumption and to establish a panel to advise on and discuss this issue; to require the Department of Environmental Management to test fishes for pollutants and post signage at water bodies notifying of an active fish consumption advisory; to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to notify fish license purchasers of all active advisories; and to require holders of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits to post signage identifying outfalls.

AL HB419

Relating to consumption of fishes; to require the State Health Officer to issue advisories concerning fish consumption and to establish a panel to advise on and discuss this issue; to require the Department of Environmental Management to test fishes for pollutants and post signage at water bodies notifying of an active fish consumption advisory; to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to notify fish license purchasers of all active advisories; and to require holders of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits to post signage identifying outfalls.

CA AB762

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TX HB297

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