SB367 Summary

• Amends Section 9-11-153 of the Code of Alabama to establish a new commercial paddlefish dealer's license requirement for anyone buying, processing, selling, or shipping paddlefish roe, flesh, or parts.

• Sets the commercial paddlefish dealer's license fee at $750 per license year for residents, with nonresident fees matching what their home state charges Alabama residents (minimum the Alabama commercial fishing license rate).

• Exempts licensed paddlefish fishermen who sell or ship fish or roe they have personally caught to an Alabama licensed commercial paddlefish dealer.

• Establishes criminal penalties for unlicensed commercial paddlefish activity: Class A misdemeanor with minimum $1,500 fine for first offense and $2,000 to $10,000 fine for subsequent violations.

• Permits reciprocal licensing agreements with other states and directs the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to issue and sell licenses.