State Representative Shane Stringer, R-Citronelle, won final passage Thursday for legislation that would prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping or boarding vessels for safety or marine sanitation equipment inspections.
“The intent of this bill is to protect the constitutional rights of boaters who are randomly singled out for inspections without probable cause while, at the same time, providing law enforcement officers with clear and consistent standards to follow,” Stringer said. “Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch was instrumental in working with me on this legislation, and he understands the importance of protecting the rights of the citizens we both swore an oath to serve.”
Stringer, a career law enforcement officer, said officers cannot stop and inspect automobiles traveling on roadways without probable cause and said the bill would extend that standard to Alabama waterways.
Senator Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, carried House Bill 254 in the Senate and said random inspections often create a nuisance for his constituents.
“When a family is boating to a restaurant or simply enjoying the waters in our area, they should not have to worry about being stopped, boarded, and delayed for no real reason beyond a random inspection,” Elliott said. “Just like Rep. Stringer, I strongly support our officers and the work they do to protect our communities, but I have a duty to protect my constituents from easily avoidable annoyances and inconveniences.”
If Governor Kay Ivey signs the measure into law, it would take effect June 1, 2026.
