HB209 Summary

• Expands wakeboarding and wakesurfing prohibitions to include Lake Martin and Weiss Lake, in addition to existing restrictions on Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Wedowee, and Shoal Creek in Lauderdale County.

• Prohibits operation of motorboats above idle speed within 100 feet from any shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse, or other structure on all covered waters.

• First violation of wakeboarding/wakesurfing restrictions results in a fine of not less than $100; second or subsequent violations during the same calendar year result in fines of not less than $200 and potential suspension or revocation of boater certification or vessel operating privileges.

• Provides one-year warning periods beginning September 1, 2023 for wakeboarding/wakesurfing violations and October 1, 2024 for motorboat idle-speed violations, after which normal penalties apply.

• Effective October 1, 2024.