HB188 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: John F. Knight Jr
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Jamie Ison Duwayne Bridges Blaine Galliher Charles O. Newton Ron Johnson Alan Boothe Elaine Beech Lawrence McAdory April Weaver Richard Baughn Mac Buttram Napoleon Bracy Berry Forte Darrio Melton Greg Burdine Alan Baker Chad Fincher Harry Shiver Barbara Bigsby Boyd Pebblin W. Warren Ralph Howard Thad McClammy Thomas Jackson Steve Hurst Richard Lindsey John Robinson Johnny Mack Morrow Jeremy Oden Elwyn Thomas Craig Ford Todd Greeson Gregory Canfield Jack Williams Dexter Grimsley
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Agricultural tourist attractions, to be defined by rule and approved by Agriculture and Industries Department, application and renewal fees, directional signs under certain conditions (2011-20698)
Summary: HB188 creates a program for approving agricultural tourist attractions, charging fees, and placing directional signs to guide traffic to those attractions under specific rules.
What This Bill Does
The Department of Agriculture and Industries would establish criteria by rule and approve agricultural tourist attractions, and keep a registry of approved sites. Each site would pay a one-time application fee and a yearly renewal fee. If approved, the department, with DOT or the county engineer, could place directional signs directing traffic to the attraction, with the attraction bearing the sign costs. Signs on state highways require DOT approval and are not paid for or maintained by the state; signs on county roads require county engineer approval and are not paid for or maintained by the county.

Who It Affects
Agricultural-based businesses that operate on-site attractions: must apply for approval, pay fees, and may receive directional signs if approved.
Department of Agriculture and Industries: responsible for defining criteria, approving attractions, maintaining the registry, and coordinating sign placement with DOT or the county engineers.
Department of Transportation and county engineers: approve and coordinate placement of directional signs on state and county roads, respectively; signage costs fall on the attractions.

Key Provisions
Defines agricultural tourist attractions and directional signs and sets criteria to govern approvals.
Requires by-rule criteria, an application process, a one-time application fee, and an annual renewal fee; creates a registry of approved attractions.
Allows approved attractions to receive directional signs directing traffic, with the attraction paying related sign costs; signs placed with DOT or county engineer approval depending on road type.
Signage on state highways requires DOT approval and is not funded or maintained by the state; signage on county roads requires county engineer approval and is not funded or maintained by the county.
Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's 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: Agriculture and Industries Department