SB172 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Sanford

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Conservation and Natural Resource Department, Rule 220-2-.146, Antlered Buck and Turkey Harvest Record, penalties

Summary

This bill lowers the penalty for violating the Antlered Buck and Turkey Harvest Record and adds a court plea-and-pay option, taking effect immediately after approval.

What This Bill Does

It sets a specific fine of $50 to $200 for violations of Rule 220-2-.146 (Antlered Buck and Turkey Harvest Record) instead of the prior Class C misdemeanor penalties. It requires the Administrative Office of Courts to provide a process for entering a guilty plea before a magistrate or court clerk and paying the fine without appearing in court. It also states that conflicting laws are repealed where applicable and that the act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it, with certain constitutional considerations noted regarding local funding.

Who It Affects

• Hunters or others who violate Rule 220-2-.146 will face a fine of $50 to $200 (instead of potential fines up to $500 and possible jail time).
• The Administrative Office of Courts, which must establish a plea-and-pay procedure to allow guilty pleas before a magistrate or court clerk without court appearance.
• Local government entities are addressed in the constitutional provisions; the bill is designed to avoid requiring new or increased local funding or a 2/3 vote for it to become law due to an exception in Amendment 621.

Key Provisions

• Penalties for violation of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Rule 220-2-.146 shall be a fine of $50 to $200.
• The Administrative Office of Courts shall provide a procedure for a person charged with the violation to enter a guilty plea before a magistrate or court clerk and pay the fine without appearing in court.
• All laws or parts of laws that conflict with this act are repealed.
• The act is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.
• The act becomes effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Conservation and Natural Resources Department