Posted on February 4, 2026
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WALA) – The Alabama State Senate voted today to end the practice of in-bay, thin-layer dredge disposal in Mobile Bay.
The bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk for signature. If signed, the bill will take effect on October 1. State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) originally filed the bill and Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) carried it in the Senate.
Alabama joins Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina and other states that have established policies against mud dumping.
Federal law influence
The law mirrors federal legislation enacted by Sen. Katie Britt in 2024, requiring the Corps of Engineers to use at least 70 percent of dredged material for beneficial use. Those uses include marsh creation, shoreline protection, industrial or commercial applications and restoration of eroding coastal habitats.
