The bill amends Section 9-12-125 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to increase 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 issued 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.

The bill includes provisions for the distribution of $200 from each seafood dealer license fee to the nonprofit corporation Sweet Grown Alabama to promote the state's seafood products. It also updates the language of the existing law to current style, removing terms like "firm or corporation" and replacing them with "person" where applicable. Violations of the licensing requirements will result in penalties, including fines and potential jail time for repeat offenders. 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