HB382 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Hanes

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Liability, public lands, trapping, strict liability standard removed, Sec. 9-11-264 am'd.

Summary

HB382 would remove the strict liability standard for injuries caused by traps on public lands, shifting to a fault-based liability standard.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 9-11-264 to change how liability is handled for injuries to people or domestic animals resulting from traps on public lands used to take fur-bearing animals. It would require proving fault or negligence by the trap user to recover civil damages, instead of automatic liability. The measure does not apply to Lawrence County. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is enacted into law.

Who It Affects

• Individuals or their domestic animals who are injured by traps on public lands would generally need to prove negligence to win civil damages.
• Trap users/operators who set traps on public lands would face fault-based liability rather than strict liability.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 9-11-264 to remove the strict liability standard for injuries or damages resulting from the use of traps or similar devices on public lands.
• Injured parties must prove fault (negligence) to obtain civil damages under the new standard.
• The provisions do not apply to Lawrence County.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval (or when it otherwise becomes law).

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

Subjects

Public Lands