AL HB38

Creates the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to develop innovative, cost-efficient technologies for restoring coastal seagrass ecosystems in state marine waters

Task force consists of 10 members including cochairs from Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama, plus appointees from the Governor, Legislature, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, and Mobile and Baldwin County Commissions

Requires development of a 10-year Alabama Seagrass and Sea Oats Restoration Plan, with annual progress reports submitted to the Governor and legislative leadership

Dauphin Island Sea Lab serves as fiscal agent and provides staff support; task force may accept private and federal grants in addition to state appropriations

Initial meeting must be held by January 1, 2027; act becomes effective October 1, 2026