HB176 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Chad FincherSteve McMillanJamie IsonJim BartonMary Sue McClurkinDavid Sessions

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Cockfighting, penalties increased, presence at cockfights, penalties, confiscation procedures, fines, terms defined, reporting procedures, Secs. 13A-12-4.1, 13A-12-4.2 added; Sec. 13A-12-4 am'd.

Summary

HB176 would tighten penalties for cockfighting, require cock keepers to register cock locations, and set up stricter seizure, forfeiture, and destruction processes for fighting cocks.

What This Bill Does

The bill increases criminal penalties for cockfighting activities (first conviction: Class A misdemeanor; second or later: Class C felony). It makes it a Class C felony on the first conviction and a Class B felony on subsequent convictions to permit or cause a minor to attend or participate in cockfighting. It also makes being present as a spectator at cockfighting preparations or exhibitions a Class A misdemeanor, requires registration of cock locations for disease control, and creates detailed confiscation, forfeiture, and seizure procedures plus higher fines for these offenses. The changes include new fines, redistributed fines to state agencies, and specific procedures for handling seized birds, including potential destruction.

Who It Affects

• People involved in cockfighting activities (owners, trainers, managers, advertisers, venues, and attendees) would face higher penalties (Class A misdemeanor to Class C/B felonies), potential forfeiture of profits and property, and seizure procedures.
• Minors and those who permit or cause minors to participate in or attend cockfighting would face stricter penalties (Class C felony on first conviction, Class B felony on subsequent convictions) and be subject to enforcement and seizure provisions.

Key Provisions

• Adds 13A-12-4.1 and 13A-12-4.2 and amends 13A-12-4 to expand illegal conduct and penalties related to cockfighting.
• First conviction for listed cockfighting acts is a Class A misdemeanor; second or subsequent convictions are Class C felonies.
• First conviction for permitting or causing a minor to attend or participate in cockfighting is a Class C felony; second or subsequent convictions are Class B felonies.
• Be knowingly present as a spectator at cockfighting preparations or exhibitions is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Requires individuals who regularly keep cocks to register their cock locations with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries for disease control.
• Confiscation and forfeiture: fighting cocks, profits, and related property can be confiscated or forfeited; defines related terms and procedures for filing reports and destroying cocks.
• Imposes specific fines: $10,000 for Class A misdemeanor and $20,000 for Class C felony, with fines distributed to law enforcement, prosecutors, the Agriculture Department, and the State General Fund (each receiving 25%).
• Establishes seizure procedures: reporting, disease testing, condemnation processes, and how costs are charged to the owner; provides for return if not proven to involve cockfighting.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.
• Notes that the bill is exempt from local expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 due to its defined exceptions.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses