HB357 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul W. LeeRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Kerry RichJoe FaustMac ButtramArtis McCampbellJim PattersonDexter GrimsleyMike JonesHarry ShiverDavid StandridgeRichard J. LairdDan WilliamsMike HillRichard BaughnDonnie ChesteenChad FincherSteve ClouseAllen FarleyDavid SessionsRandy DavisMike BallAlan BakerApril WeaverDickie Drake

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Weights and measures, registered service agent to conduct testing and inspection of devices, Agriculture and Industries Department to provide registration and regulation of agents, Board of Agriculture and Industries authorized to adopt a schedule of civil fines for violations, Secs. 8-16-1, 8-16-6, 8-16-7, 8-16-18 am'd.

Summary

HB357 creates a system requiring annual testing of weighing and measuring devices by registered service agents, with a decal system and civil fines to regulate weights and measures.

What This Bill Does

It defines what a registered service agent is and requires them to register with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. It mandates that all weighing or measuring devices be tested annually by a registered service agent, who may be an owner’s agent or affiliate. It allows the Board of Agriculture and Industries to adopt a schedule of civil fines for violations and requires a decal to be placed on devices that meet standards. It also gives the Commissioner authority to suspend or revoke a service agent’s registration for violations, with a one-year waiting period before re-registration, and sets penalties including misdemeanor fines up to $500 and potential hard labor, with fines deposited into the Agricultural Fund.

Who It Affects

• Registered service agents (individuals, firms, or corporations that service or recalibrate weighing and measuring devices) — must register, perform annual testing, display decals on devices, and risk suspension/revocation of their registration and related penalties.
• Businesses, institutions, and consumers using weighing or measuring devices in commerce — their devices must be tested annually by registered agents, must display a department-approved decal if compliant, and may be subject to civil fines for violations.

Key Provisions

• Defines registered service agent as any entity that services or recalibrates weighing or measuring devices for hire and registers with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.
• Replaces or supplements prior requirements with an annual testing and inspection mandate for all weighing or measuring devices to be performed by a registered service agent.
• Authorizes the Board of Agriculture and Industries to adopt a schedule of civil fines for violations related to weights and measures, with fines deposited into the Agricultural Fund.
• Establishes a decal system: the Department approves decals and provides them to registered service agents; devices meeting requirements must display the decal.
• Gives the Commissioner authority to suspend or revoke a registered service agent’s certificate for violations, effective October 1, 2013, and prohibits re-registration for at least one year after revocation.
• Stipulates penalties for violations: misdemeanor fines up to $500 and possible hard labor for up to six months; criminal penalties may be augmented by civil fines.
• Clarifies that the Commissioner's duties to inspect and test devices can be fulfilled by the registered service agent’s testing and reporting, with required reporting to the Commissioner.

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

Subjects

Weights and Measures