The Legislature shall never authorize the permanent obstruction of any of the navigable waters of the State, but may provide for the removal of such obstructions as now exist, whenever the public welfare demands. This section shall not prevent the construction, under proper authority, of drawbridges for railroads, or other roads, nor the construction of booms and chutes for logs, nor the construction, operation and maintenance of facilities incident to the exploration, production or transportation of oil, gas or other minerals, nor the construction, operation and maintenance of bridges and causeways in such manner as not to prevent the safe passage of vessels or logs under regulations to be provided by law.

NOTE: The 1968 amendment to Section 81 of Article 4 of the Constitution of 1890 was proposed by ch. 660 (House Concurrent Resolution No. 71) of the 1968 regular session of the Legislature, and upon ratification by the electorate on June 4, 1968, was inserted by a proclamation of the Secretary of State on June 13, 1968, by virtue of the authority vested in him by Section 273 of the Constitution.

SOURCES: Laws, 1968, ch. 660, eff June 13, 1968.