All navigable waters shall forever remain public highways free to the citizens of the State and the United States without tax, impost or toll imposed; and no tax, toll, impost or wharfage shall be imposed, demanded or received from the owners of any merchandise or commodity for the use of the shores or any wharf erected on the shores or in or over the waters of any navigable stream unless the same be authorized by the General Assembly.

(1970 (56) 2684; 1971 (57) 315.)

Editor's Note

This section was originally Section 28 of Article I. It was transferred to its present location by the amendment ratified by 1971 Act No 276 (1971 (57) 315) which effected the revision of that article. For similar provisions in Constitution of 1868, see former Art I, Section 40.