SB371 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Forestry Commission, administrative rules, violations pertaining to conduct of persons on land designated as state forest, penalties, Sec. 9-3-9 am'd.

Summary

Makes certain State Forestry Commission conduct rules on state forests a Class C misdemeanor.

What This Bill Does

The bill would make violations of specific administrative rules about conduct on land designated as a state forest a Class C misdemeanor. It defines 'state forest' as land owned, leased, or held by the commission that the commission designates as state forest. It keeps existing forestry rules in effect until the commission repeals or amends them. It states that local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 do not apply because the bill creates a new crime, allowing it to become law without local approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who use state forests could face Class C misdemeanor penalties for violating the commission's conduct rules.
• The Alabama State Forestry Commission would enforce the rules and penalties.

Key Provisions

• Violations of certain administrative rules about conduct on state forests become Class C misdemeanors.
• Defines 'state forest' as land owned, leased, or held by the commission and designated as state forest.
• Preserves current rules until amended or repealed by the commission.
• Declares that the bill is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime, so it need not obtain local approval.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor's 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