Fishing; Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources prohibited from adopting slot limit rule for tournaments on Coosa River under certain conditions
Summary
HB143 would limit the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources’ authority to adopt rules affecting fishing tournaments on the Coosa River, including reservoirs on the river. Specifically, the bill says the commissioner may not take administrative action, including adopting a rule, that would prohibit possession of a fish of a certain length in a tournament unless there is demonstrable evidence that restocking efforts have been attempted and have failed in the affected area.
The bill is narrowly targeted to the Coosa River system and is aimed at tournament fishing regulations, especially slot-limit style restrictions that affect whether anglers may possess certain fish sizes during competitions. It would override existing statutory authority in Sections 9-2-7, 9-2-8, and 9-2-12, and any conflicting law, for this specific geographic area and issue. If enacted, it would take effect on October 1, 2025.
Impact
HB143 would carve out a specific limitation on the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ rulemaking authority for the Coosa River and its reservoirs. It would prevent the commissioner from using administrative rules to restrict possession of fish of a certain length in tournament settings unless failed restocking efforts have been shown, thereby narrowing the agency’s discretion under existing conservation statutes. The practical effect would be to protect certain fishing tournament practices on the Coosa River while conditioning future restrictions on a showing related to fish restocking.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is generally supportive of fishing tournament interests and local angling access, with no recorded committee transcript or vote data showing formal opposition or support. Its introduction and referral to the House Agriculture and Forestry committee indicate it was treated as a fisheries and natural resources policy measure. The last recorded action, re-referral to committee in the House of Origin, suggests the bill was still under consideration rather than having advanced cleanly through the process.
Contention
The main point of contention is the balance between conservation management and tournament fishing access. Supporters would likely favor limiting agency authority to impose slot limits or similar possession restrictions on the Coosa River, while opponents may argue the bill unduly constrains wildlife managers from using rules to protect fish populations. The bill also creates a specific evidentiary threshold—failed restocking attempts—before restrictions can be imposed, which could be disputed as too rigid or difficult to satisfy.
Same As
Fishing; Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources prohibited from adopting slot limit rule for tournaments on Coosa River under certain conditions