SB340 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Scott Beason

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Rusty GloverHarri Anne SmithGerald H. Allen

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Hunting and fishing, right to clarified, subject to reasonable rules that promote conservation and management, const. amend.

Summary

A constitutional amendment to confirm the public's right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife in Alabama, subject to reasonable rules that promote conservation and the future of hunting and fishing.

What This Bill Does

It would amend Amendment 597 (now Section 36.02) to recognize that all people have the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, including traditional methods, but this right is subject to reasonable regulations for conservation and management. Public hunting and fishing would be the preferred way to manage wildlife. The amendment would not change eminent domain, trespass, or other property rights, and it would be known as the Sportsperson's Bill of Rights; voters would decide by a statewide election.

Who It Affects

• All Alabama residents and visitors who hunt or fish, as the amendment grants them a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife subject to reasonable regulations.
• Wildlife management authorities, law enforcement, landowners, and others involved in wildlife regulation and management, who would implement and enforce regulations that promote conservation and management without altering existing property or eminent domain laws.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits laws from infringing on the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, including traditional methods, with the right limited only by reasonable regulations for conservation and management.
• Declares that public hunting and fishing shall be the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife.
• States that the amendment does not modify any law related to eminent domain, trespass, or property rights.
• Designates the amendment as the 'Sportsperson's Bill of Rights' and requires a majority vote by qualified electors to adopt.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments