Earlier this month, the Alabama Legislature adjourned Sine Die, marking the end of the 2026 legislative session. This year, the legislative session was quiet for sportsmen. A handful of sportsmen-related bills were introduced. HB 271 completed the legislative process and was signed into law by Governor Ivey.
New Lifetime Licenses for Disabled Residents
HB 271 establishes a lifetime hunting and fishing license specifically for state residents who are totally and permanently disabled.
Understanding SB 361 and Beau’s Law
We wanted to give you a quick heads-up about SB 361, Beau’s Law, which was recently passed by the Legislature and has been sent to the Governor.
While this law introduces new statewide standards for the tethering and sheltering of outdoor dogs, effective Oct 1, 2026, we want to reassure our members that hunting dogs and field trial participants are explicitly exempt.
Protections for Sporting and Hunting Dogs
The law was specifically written to protect traditional sporting practices. The new restrictions on tethering and confinement do not apply to:
- Dogs used for hunting, retrieving, or active training.
- Dogs participating in field trials, shows, or exhibitions.
- Short-term tethering at home, campsites, or recreation areas.
In short: If you are out in the field or at a trial, your standard practices remain perfectly legal. We remain committed to the highest standards of care for our dogs and appreciate the Legislature’s work to recognize the unique needs of the sporting community.
Review a complete list of monitored bills via the Interactive Legislative Map.
Even though the 2026 legislative session is over, the work never truly ends. Anti-sportsman groups are already eyeing ways to chip away at our hunting, fishing, and trapping rights and restrict access to public lands beyond the legislature. We’ve seen across the country how quickly a “win” can turn into a defensive battle if we get complacent.
Protecting Our Outdoor Heritage
Stay vigilant, stay active, and keep your boots on the ground. We cannot stand alone in this fight to protect our heritage. You must rally your family and friends to join the fight. Share with them what is at stake – our future. Together, we can protect what matters most and push back against those who threaten our values, our way of life, and our traditions.
We have the momentum, but we must always stay one step ahead of those who seek to undermine and abolish our lifestyle.
Please share this message with fellow sportsmen to help defend our hunting, fishing, and trapping heritage in the Yellowhammer State.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance guarantees hunting, fishing and trapping for the American sportsman now and forever. We’re there when sportsmen need us most. We are the only organization specifically created to protect the individual hunter, angler, and trapper – no matter the threat. We will never compromise when it comes to defending our way of life in the courts, in the legislatures, in the public square and at the ballot box. We make this promise to the American sportsman: we will never give up and never give in while proudly securing our future against those seeking to destroy our values, beliefs, and traditions. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
