Catfish; transfer out of state of those harvested in public waters prohibited; criminal penalties for violations established

HB 463 prohibits transporting live catfish harvested from Alabama public waters outside the state. It directly affects anglers, commercial harvesters, and anyone moving live catfish (specifically from the Ictaluridae family) out of Alabama. The bill amends existing law to add criminal penalties: a $1,000 fine for a first violation (Class B misdemeanor) and $2,000 for repeat offenses (Class A misdemeanor). The key provision bans out-of-state transport of live catfish - unlike the existing rule for other fish that allows limited personal use transport. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.