HB198 Summary

• Establishes a shark alert system under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for Baldwin and Mobile Counties to warn the public of shark sightings near beaches and coastal areas.

• Requires the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources to adopt rules for implementing the system, establishing protocols for activating/deactivating alerts, coordinating between first responder organizations, and securing participation from private beach owners and managers.

• Alert system must include wireless emergency alerts to mobile devices within defined distances of affected beaches, dispatch notifications to on-duty first responders within a defined radius, and beach flag signals indicating no swimming is permitted.

• System activation triggers when the department receives reports of a shark attacking an individual or a shark posing imminent danger at or near a beach or shoreline.

• Authorizes civil fines up to $5,000 for noncompliance by private beach or shoreline owners and managers; becomes effective October 1, 2025.