HB167 Summary

• Amends Section 33-4-40 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to limit bar pilot liability to $5,000 for damages caused by pilot error, omission, fault, or neglect in providing pilot services.

• Removes the $5,000 liability cap if damage or loss was caused by the pilot's willful, intentional, or reckless misconduct, allowing full liability in those cases.

• Permits exemplary or punitive damages for willful, intentional, or reckless misconduct only when no other person is jointly or severally liable.

• Does not exempt vessels, their crews, owners, charterers, or operators from liability for damage caused by piloted vessels or pilot error.

• Applies only if bar pilots remain self-employed independent contractors with no more than 20 actively engaged in piloting vessels licensed by the State Pilotage Commission.