SB185 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wendell Mitchell

Democrat

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

SB185 allows seizure of vehicles and equipment tied to timber theft crimes and requires reports and delivery to the regional forester.

What This Bill Does

The bill lets law enforcement seize vehicles and equipment used in timber theft or related forest product crimes when arresting someone. Seized items must be delivered to the regional forester in the arrest region and kept in safe, good condition until disposition. Officials must report seizures to the district attorney within five days of arrest with detailed information, and a similar five-day report is required after final conviction, detailing the seizure and disposal process.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement officers: gain authority to seize vehicles and equipment involved in timber crimes.
• Persons arrested for timber theft or related offenses: their vehicles and equipment may be seized and held for disposition.
• Regional foresters/forestry region: receive seized items and manage their custody and disposal.
• District attorneys/prosecutors: receive mandatory seizure reports within five days of arrest and after conviction.
• Owners or people claiming an ownership interest in seized items: identified in seizure reports and may be involved in claims related to the seized property.

Key Provisions

• Seizure authority: allows seizure of vehicles and equipment used in timber theft, harvesting, or related forest product offenses when arrest is for these crimes.
• Delivery and custody: seized items must be delivered to the regional forester of the relevant forestry region and kept safe and in good condition until disposition.
• Reporting after arrest: requires a report to the district attorney within five days, including full details (description, identification numbers, make/model, owner, and claimants).
• Reporting after conviction: requires a similar five-day report after final conviction detailing the seizure and circumstances.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Forestry Commission