AL SB285

Establishes the "Commercial Fishermen's Rights and Privileges Act" to protect commercial fishermen engaged in legal seafood operations.

Prohibits any person, firm, association, corporation, or municipality from interfering with, preventing, obstructing, impeding, disturbing, or disparaging commercial fishermen who are legally taking, catching, possessing, or handling seafood.

Requires conservation and management measures to be fair and equitable to all fishermen user groups without discrimination, and prohibits reducing any user group's fishing ability unless clear scientific evidence shows the activity would adversely affect fish populations or public health.

Authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to assess civil penalties up to $500 for each violation of the act.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor or upon otherwise becoming law.