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AlabamaSB1712025 Regular SessionSenate

Navigable and non-navigable waters; operating motor vehicles on submerged lands prohibited, subject to exceptions; criminal penalties provided

Sponsored By: Clyde Chambliss (Republican)

Enacted

Environmental Protection; Motor Vehicles & Traffic; Waters & Boating

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Alabama drivers face new limits in waterways

Beginning October 1, 2025, Alabama bans driving motor vehicles on land beneath navigable or non-navigable waters. The ban also covers land within the natural boundaries of creeks, brooks, branches, streams, and similar waterways. It covers self-propelled vehicles and vehicles they pull, including off-road vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, motor scooters, and motorized trail bikes. Boats and other watercraft designed for water travel are excluded. The submerged-land ban does not apply while drivers stay on land they own or have permission to use. Exceptions also cover written authorization from the State Lands Division director in Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Utilities providing retail or wholesale electric service are exempt. Violations are misdemeanors: Class C for the first, Class B for the second, and Class A for each later offense.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Clyde Chambliss

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 393 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/14/2025

Chambliss Concur In and Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1042

Yes: 25 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2025

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1215

Yes: 102 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2025

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1214

Yes: 103 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2025

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1216

Yes: 103 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/15/2025

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 719

Yes: 30 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/15/2025

Third Reading in House of Origin

Yes: 30 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Enacted

    5/21/2025Senate

  2. Chambliss Concur In and Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1042

    5/14/2025Senate

  3. Ready to Enroll

    5/14/2025Senate

  4. Enrolled

    5/14/2025Senate

  5. Signature Requested

    5/14/2025House

  6. Delivered to Governor

    5/14/2025Senate

  7. Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit 1st Substitute Offered

    5/7/2025House

  8. Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1214

    5/7/2025House

  9. Stubbs 1st Amendment Offered

    5/7/2025House

  10. Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1215

    5/7/2025House

  11. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1216

    5/7/2025House

  12. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    4/24/2025House

  13. Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit 1st Substitute

    4/23/2025House

  14. Reported Out of Committee Second House

    4/23/2025House

  15. Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit

    4/17/2025House

  16. Pending Committee Action in Second House

    4/17/2025House

  17. Third Reading in House of Origin

    4/15/2025Senate

  18. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 719

    4/15/2025Senate

  19. Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

    2/18/2025Senate

  20. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    2/18/2025Senate

  21. Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on County and Municipal Government

    2/13/2025Senate

  22. Pending Committee Action in House of Origin

    2/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

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