The bill amends Section 9-12-125 of the Code of Alabama 1975, primarily increasing the seafood dealer licensure fee from $200 to $465 for Alabama residents and from $400 to $730 for non-residents. Additionally, it introduces a reduced fee of $265 for state residents who possess a valid license or permit under Section 9-12-113. The bill also specifies that seafood dealers must present proof of a business license, tax identification number, and appropriate health permits to obtain a license. Furthermore, it clarifies that restaurants do not need a license to sell seafood for consumption but must purchase seafood only from licensed sellers.

In terms of enforcement, the bill establishes penalties for unlicensed seafood dealing, classifying violations as Class A misdemeanors with escalating fines for repeat offenses. Notably, the bill mandates that $200 from each seafood dealer license fee collected will be remitted annually to the nonprofit corporation Sweet Grown Alabama to promote the state's seafood products. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9-12-125, 9-12-125
Engrossed: 9-12-125, 9-12-125
Enrolled: 9-12-125, 9-12-125