HB 157 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Boating; certain boating events exempt from obtaining an event permit

HB 157 exempts small fishing tournaments (30 vessels or fewer) from requiring a state event permit. It directly affects tournament sponsors by removing a permit requirement previously mandated for all fishing tournaments under Alabama law. The bill amends Section 33-5-27 to explicitly state that such small tournaments are not required to obtain an event permit or similar authorization. This change simplifies administrative requirements for local fishing events while maintaining safety responsibilities for sponsors. The exemption applies to tournaments held on Alabama waters and takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 29, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Public Safety and Homeland Security 1st Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was updated from its original introduction to a substitute version, refining the rules for boating events in Alabama. The primary change narrows the exemption from state permit requirements to specifically apply only to fishing tournaments with 30 vessels or fewer, rather than the original broader category of all boat races and exhibitions with 35 vessels or fewer. Additionally, the bill now explicitly defines 'marine event' to include fishing tournaments and clarifies that the Secretary of the State Law Enforcement Agency has the authority to adopt permit requirements for events that do not qualify for the exemption.

Scope change

The scope of the exemption was narrowed from general boat races and exhibitions to specifically target fishing tournaments, while the authority to regulate other marine events was made explicit.

ELIGIBILITY

The exemption from event permits was changed from applying to any boat race or exhibition with 35 or fewer vessels to applying only to fishing tournaments with 30 or fewer vessels.

DEFINITION

A new definition for 'marine event' was added to clarify that it includes fishing tournaments, regattas, and other water sports.

REQUIREMENT

The bill now explicitly grants the Secretary of the State Law Enforcement Agency the authority to adopt permit requirements for marine events that are not exempt.

TECHNICAL

Minor formatting and numbering adjustments were made to align the text with standard legislative markup conventions.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jan 28, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

lower

Jan 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors