HB419 Summary

• State Health Officer must issue fish consumption advisories when reasonable and necessary to protect public health, publishing them on the Alabama Department of Public Health website with a dedicated telephone number for information.

• State Health Officer shall establish an advisory panel consisting of representatives from state agencies and other stakeholders that meets at least annually to review tissue sampling methodologies, water bodies, fish species, pollutant toxicity limits, and communication strategies.

• Alabama Department of Environmental Management must conduct regular fish tissue monitoring to evaluate safe consumption levels and annually publish a public report detailing the methodology and reasoning for species and pollutant selections.

• ADEM shall post signage at public boat ramps and fishing areas adjacent to state waters with active fish consumption advisories, including fish species pictures, common names, recommended consumption levels, warnings for pregnant or nursing women, and contact information.

• National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit holders must post signage within reasonable distance from each discharge point identifying the pollutant outfall, permit number, permit holder name, pollutants being discharged, and contact information; new permits must comply immediately and existing permits within 90 days of the act's effective date.