Alabama Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Support Seafood Industry
On Monday, state lawmakers from R-Hollinger’s Island revealed a new legislative package consisting of three bills aimed at enhancing Alabama’s commercial seafood sector.
The proposed legislation, spearheaded by Brown, outlines various initiatives to bolster commercial fishing, seafood retail, and the protection of local saltwater ecosystems, particularly through House Bills 3, 28, and 38.
The first bill, HB3, focuses on alleviating tax burdens by exempting seafood sales made by anglers and fishermen from both state and local sales taxes. This measure allows local governments to opt-out of taxing these sales as well.
In parallel, two additional bills aim to promote the sustainability of Alabama’s marine environments. Specifically, HB28 offers tax credits to restaurants that recycle oyster shells, which is crucial for rejuvenating declining oyster populations in the Gulf. This initiative helps support the significant American oyster industry, valued at $250 million, while also safeguarding coastal ecosystems.
Restaurants participating in the Oyster Shell Recycling Program can receive Alabama income tax credits of either $1 for every £50 of oyster shells donated or a maximum of $2,000, whichever amount is lower. These credits will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual cap of $100,000 is reached.
Additionally, HB38 aims to form the Alabama Seagrass Repair Task Force to tackle the decreasing seagrass in Alabama’s waters. This task force will be responsible for developing and testing innovative and eco-friendly methods for restoring seagrass, utilizing both public and private sector resources.
Once established, the task force will include members from educational institutions, government entities, the Alabama Legislature, and various public-private partnerships.
In a recent announcement, Brown’s office emphasized the vital role that seagrass plays in both the commercial seafood industry and marine habitats, underscoring its function in stabilizing shorelines and combating erosion.
Brown advocated for the passage of these bills, calling it a crucial step for the future of Alabama’s seafood industry. He mentioned, “Beyond the major economic factors in our region, the Gulf Coast commercial seafood industry is a beloved tradition that must be preserved for generations to come. By passing these common sense tax cuts and important ecological protections, we can sustain commercial seafood while addressing future growth and viable challenges.”
State legislators will review each of Brown’s bills during the 2026 legislative session.
