AL HB204

Prohibits persons from damming, anchoring, mooring, or abandoning floating or sunken piers, barges, or vessels that obstruct navigation on public waters without a lawful license or permit.

Imposes criminal penalties of $100 to $1,000 per day for violating the obstruction prohibition.

Establishes obstruction of navigation on public waters as a public nuisance that may be abated by civil action brought by the state or any person whose property access by water is obstructed or impeded.

Allows persons whose water access is obstructed to seek injunctive relief and presumes they have suffered special damage without requiring proof.

Exempts public waters used primarily for agricultural, industrial, power generation, public water supply, and sanitation purposes from the act's provisions.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.