SB261 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator
Democrat
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: The bill requires annual testing of weighing and measuring devices by registered service agents, who must register with the state and be overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Industries, with civil fines available for violations.
What This Bill Does
Owners of weighing and measuring devices must have their devices tested each year by a registered service agent. Registered service agents must register with the Department of Agriculture and Industries, place an approved decal on devices that pass, and provide test reports. The Board of Agriculture and Industries can set civil fines for weights-and-measures violations, and the Department can oversee inspections, with registration suspensions or revocations starting October 1, 2013.

Who It Affects
Owners and users of weighing and measuring devices (such as institutions) who must have their devices annually tested by a registered service agent and ensure proper decals and reporting.
Registered service agents and state regulators (Department of Agriculture and Industries and the Board of Agriculture and Industries) who must register, conduct inspections, issue decals, report results, and enforce penalties.

Key Provisions
Defines 'registered service agent' as a for-hire entity that services, repairs, or reconditions weighing or measuring devices and registers with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.
Requires annual testing/inspection of all weighing or measuring devices to be performed by a registered service agent.
Requires registered service agents to register with the Department of Agriculture and Industries and to place an approved decal on devices that meet requirements.
Authorizes the Board to adopt a civil-fines schedule for weights-and-measures violations; fines go into the Agricultural Fund.
Allows the Department to oversee inspections by registered service agents, require reporting of inspection results, and monitor compliance; grants authority to suspend or revoke a service agent’s registration beginning October 1, 2013, with a one-year disqualification period if revoked.

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