TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO TITLE 4 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL LAW.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Bryant and 3 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 171 prohibits motor vehicles on submerged lands in Alabama to protect ecosystems, imposing criminal penalties for violations to ensure compliance.

Notification that SB171 is now Act 164

Summary of Senate Bill 171

Bill Number: SB 171
Title: Navigable and Non-Navigable Waters; Operating Motor Vehicles on Submerged Lands Prohibited, Subject to Exceptions; Criminal Penalties Provided
Status: Enacted
Introduced: February 13, 2025
Effective Date: October 1, 2025
Sponsor: Senator Clyde Chambliss
Subject: Environmental Protection

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 171 aims to enhance environmental protection by prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles on submerged lands beneath both navigable and non-navigable waters in Alabama. The bill seeks to prevent potential ecological damage caused by motor vehicles in these sensitive areas, while also establishing a framework for enforcement through criminal penalties.

Key Provisions

Definition of Motor Vehicle:

The term "motor vehicle" includes any self-propelled vehicle or those drawn by a self-propelled vehicle, such as:
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Motor scooters
- Motorized trail bikes
Excludes vessels or watercraft designed for transportation on water.

Prohibition on Operation:

Individuals are prohibited from operating motor vehicles on:
- Land submerged below navigable and non-navigable waters.
- Land within the natural boundary of creeks, brooks, branches, streams, or similar waterways.

Criminal Penalties:

Violations are categorized as follows:
- First Violation: Class C misdemeanor
- Second Violation: Class B misdemeanor
- Third and Subsequent Violations: Class A misdemeanor

Exceptions:

The prohibition does not apply to:
- Crossing navigable or non-navigable waters while remaining on owned or permitted land.
- Operations authorized in writing by the Director of the State Lands Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
- Utilities providing retail or wholesale electric service.

Impact

Environmental Protection: The bill is expected to protect aquatic ecosystems by limiting vehicular access to sensitive submerged lands.

Law Enforcement and Penalties: The introduction of criminal penalties aims to deter violations and promote compliance. The fiscal note indicates potential increases in state and municipal revenues from fines and court costs associated with violations.

Affected Parties: The legislation will impact individuals operating motor vehicles in proximity to navigable waters, as well as utilities and other entities that may require access to these areas.

Procedural Timeline

February 13, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on County and Municipal Government.

April 15, 2025: Passed in the House of Origin.

May 7, 2025: Amended and passed in the House.

May 14, 2025: Delivered to the Governor for signature.

May 21, 2025: Enacted into law.

Senate Bill 171 represents a significant step in regulating the use of motor vehicles in environmentally sensitive areas, aiming to balance recreational access with the need for ecological preservation.