The bill amends Sections 33-7-71, 33-7-72, and 33-7-74 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish enhanced safety procedures for state-owned dams and reservoirs, which owners may voluntarily choose to comply with. Key definitions are updated, including the term "ABANDON," which now specifies the process for rendering a dam non-impounding, and "EMERGENCY," which is clarified to include all conditions threatening safety. The definition of "HAZARD POTENTIAL" is revised to incorporate the term "incremental," while maintaining the classification of dams based on their hazard potential as high, low, or significant. The bill also introduces the term "STATE-OWNED DAM OR RESERVOIR" and expands the definition of "PARTICIPATING OWNER" to include state entities that opt into the safety procedures.

Additionally, the bill modifies inspection and management regulations, mandating that participating owners ensure inspections by an engineer occur at least once every four years, replacing the previous two-year requirement. It requires owners of state-owned dams or reservoirs to submit a written affidavit to the local emergency management agency and ensures these structures are inspected every four years, subject to funding availability. The local emergency management agency's role is clarified to indicate it has no inspection or regulatory duties, and records related to dams and reservoirs are not public documents. The bill emphasizes that participating owners retain their legal responsibilities and liabilities, including waiving any immunity. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 33-7-71, 33-7-72, 33-7-74
Engrossed: 33-7-71, 33-7-72, 33-7-74
Enrolled: 33-7-71, 33-7-72, 33-7-74