Alabama Senate passes bill to give ALEA the ability to write rules for derelict vessels

March 10, 2026 – MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Senate voted to advance legislation that will allow the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to write rules defining and regulating what is a derelict boat or vessel.

Senate Bill 326 (SB326) is sponsored by Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine), who chairs the Senate Committee on County and Local Government.

Chairman Elliott explained in committee, "We have an abandoned, derelict vessel problem."

Elliott said that Florida has a real problem with homeless people occupying inoperable vessels that are floating off the Fla. coast or on a river. Florida has passed legislation to address this issue and this legislation is influenced by that bill.

"This gives ALEA some rule making authority," said Elliott. "The goal is to make sure that we don't wind up with the problems that our neighbors have."

Elliott said that the homeless and other unpersons are using disabled vessels as homes

"It is causing water quality issues and other issues of that nature," said Sen. Elliott.

SB326 is a 2026 Alabama Senate bill that authorizes the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to create and enforce new rules governing how vessels may anchor or raft on Alabama waterways. The bill focuses on improving safety, reducing long‑term or unsafe anchoring, and giving ALEA clearer authority to regulate boating behavior.

SB326 empowers ALEA-working with agencies such as the Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-to set minimum distance requirements, restrict anchoring in sensitive or high‑traffic areas, and establish procedures for removing vessels that are unlawfully or dangerously anchored. It also creates a defined "boating violation" for failing to follow these rules, giving the state a more enforceable framework to manage congestion, environmental impact, and public safety on Alabama's lakes and rivers.

SB326 passed the Senate without opposition. It now goes to the Alabama House of Representatives for their consideration.

To comment or to ask a question email brandonmreporter@gmail.com