HB175 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Charles O. Newton
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Timber and forestry supplies, theft of timber or harvesting equipment and any felony involving unauthorized harvesting, removal, transportation, or disposal of forest products, procedures relating to seizure of certain motor vehicles and equipment further provided for, delivery to regional forester, Secs. 9-13-221, 9-13-222, 9-13-223 am'd.
Summary: HB175 broadens seizure rules for timber-related crimes and requires seized vehicles and equipment to go to regional foresters, with new reporting steps after arrest and after conviction.
What This Bill Does
It expands the types of felonies that trigger seizure to include any felony involving theft of timber, timber harvesting equipment, or parts, or any felony involving unauthorized harvesting, removal, transportation, or disposal of forest products. It changes the delivery location of seized items from the district forester to the regional forester of the forestry region where the arrest was made. Law enforcement officers may seize vehicles and equipment used in these offenses and must deliver them to the regional forester, who must safely hold them until disposition. It adds reporting requirements: within five days after arrest, the agency receiving the seized items must report to the district attorney with detailed information; and within five days after final conviction, a similar report must be made.

Who It Affects
Law enforcement officers (sheriffs, police, forestry officers, and other peace officers) who may seize vehicles and equipment and deliver them to the regional forester
Regional foresters and the Alabama Forestry Commission, who receive, safeguard, and manage seized vehicles and equipment
District attorneys and other prosecutors who receive seizure reports and information about the seized items
Individuals charged with felonies involving timber theft, harvesting equipment theft, unauthorized harvesting/removal/transport/disposal of forest products, or related offenses (their property may be seized)
Potential claimants or owners of seized items, who may be identified in seizure reports

Key Provisions
Expands seizure authority to include any felony involving theft of timber, timber harvesting equipment, or parts, or any felony involving unauthorized harvesting, removal, transportation, or disposal of forest products
Requires seized vehicles and equipment to be delivered to the regional forester of the forestry region where the arrest occurred
Specifies that the officer receiving seized items must keep them in a safe place and in as good condition as when received until they are disposed of
Within five days after arrest, the recipient must report the seizure to the district attorney with a full description, identification numbers, make/model, owner information, claimant information, and seizure details
Within five days after final conviction, the recipient must again report to the district attorney with a full description, identification numbers, ownership information, claimant information, and seizure details
Provides who may seize items (sheriffs, policemen, forestry officers, or other peace officers) and the context for seizure tied to timber forest product offenses
Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after governor approval

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Forestry Commission