HB88 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 33-4-48 to establish a tiered increase in pilot fees for vessels crossing the outer bar of Mobile Bay, effective on specified dates from January 1, 2014 through January 1, 2016.

• Increases draft-based pilot fees from $31 per draft foot to $33 (effective January 1, 2014), $35 (effective January 1, 2015), and $37 (effective January 1, 2016), with a minimum fee computed on 15 feet of draft.

• Increases gross tonnage-based pilot fees from $0.045 per ton to $0.050 (effective May 1, 2013), $0.055 (effective January 1, 2014), $0.0575 (effective January 1, 2015), and $0.060 (effective January 1, 2016), with a minimum fee computed on 6,500 gross tons.

• Becomes effective May 1, 2013, following passage and approval by the Governor.