2001 Alabama Legislative Update

The following is a summary of coastal, wildlife, marine and water resources related legislation enacted by the Alabama Legislature during the 2001 session.

2001 Alabama Laws 634.          (H.B. 437)
Approved May 20, 2001.           Effective June 18, 2001.
Provides for the protection of the black bear, Ursus americanus, found in coastal Alabama, by prescribing unlawful activities, such as shooting, trapping and harassing, in connection with the black bear and authorizing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to issue permits for certain activities related to the black bear, such as scientific research, zoological exhibition and education.

2001 Alabama Laws 635.          (S.B. 5)
Approved May 21, 2001.           Effective May 21, 2001.
Creates the Alabama Land Recycling and Economic Redevelopment Act which provides a mechanism to implement a voluntary cleanup, assessment and re-use program for contaminated lands and waters of the state. This legislation does not relieve the responsible person or persons from liability imposed by other laws for the illegal disposal of waste or pollution of the land, air and waters of the state. It does encourage the purchase and productive use of otherwise usable properties.

2001 Alabama Laws 695.          (S.B. 296)
Approved May 29, 2001.           Effective January 1, 2002.
Amends § 32-5A-191.3 to create the Alabama Boating Safety Enhancement Act of 2001 to further provide for the offense of operation of a marine vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to further provide for the restriction on issuance of boater certifications and to further restrict the operation of motorized marine vessels by persons who are under the age of 14 years.

2001 Alabama Laws 973.          (S.B. 64)
Approved September 28, 2001. Effective January 1, 2002.
Provides for the establishment of on-site wastewater management entities, public and private, for managing decentralized wastewater systems in Alabama and to provide public health and environmental protection through permitting these entities and through enforcement of the permits and rules promulgated by the State Board of Health.