The bill amends Act 2023-459, now appearing as Section 33-5-26.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to regulate boating activities such as wakeboarding and wakesurfing on certain fresh waters in the state of Alabama. The amendment includes the addition of Lake Martin and Weiss Lake to the waters where the law applies. It also introduces a new prohibition on operating a motorboat above idle speed within 100 feet of any shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse, or other structure on the specified waters, including Lake Martin. Violations of these regulations are subject to fines and potential revocation or suspension of boating privileges, with a warning period for first-time violators.
The bill specifies that the new regulations will not apply to approved marine events such as regattas, races, trial runs, parades, tournaments, or exhibitions. It also mandates that the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources notify the public about the requirements and prohibitions. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2024, and includes a provision that exempts it from the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, as it defines or amends the definition of a crime. The bill passed the House on April 4, 2024, and the Senate on April 25, 2024.