SB271 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Law Enforcement Agency, sale of vehicles and equipment authorized, distrib. of proceeds, Sec. 32-2-83 am'd.
Summary: SB271 lets the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency dispose of surplus vehicles and property, sell to other agencies, and accept grants or gifts, while taking on the duties of legacy agencies.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to dispose of Department of Public Safety vehicles and property by public auction or negotiated sale, including sales to other state departments and to counties, municipalities, or local law enforcement agencies. Auctions must be advertised in newspapers for two weeks and posted publicly, with specified payment and removal deadlines. It also clarifies that legacy agency authorities transfer to ALEA, and it allows ALEA to apply for grants and accept lawful gifts or donations; sale proceeds go to the Public Safety Motor Vehicle Replacement Fund, and any violations carry penalties that go to the State General Fund. The act becomes effective immediately after passage and approval.

Who It Affects
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Secretary of Law Enforcement: gain new authority to dispose of surplus vehicles and property, sell to other agencies, and accept grants and donations; also assume duties previously held by legacy agencies.
Other state and local law enforcement entities (state departments, counties, municipalities, and local agencies): may purchase surplus vehicles and property through the agency's disposal process.
State Treasury and the State General Fund: receive penalties for violations; sale proceeds are allocated to the Public Safety Motor Vehicle Replacement Fund for ALEA.

Key Provisions
Authorizes disposal of DPS/agency vehicles and property by the Director/Secretary via public auction or negotiated sale to other state agencies, counties, municipalities, or local law enforcement.
Requires public auctions to be advertised at least two weeks in newspapers and posted on a public bulletin board, with details on items, inspection times, and auction schedule; specifies payment methods and a seven-day removal deadline after contract award.
Prohibits state officers/employees from acting as agents for bidders, while allowing them to bid on state property.
Proceeds from sales go into the Public Safety Motor Vehicle Replacement Fund for ALEA; violations carry liquidated damages ($1,000 to $10,000) payable to the State General Fund via the Attorney General.
Section 2 extends legacy agency authority to ALEA and the Secretary of Law Enforcement; references to legacy agencies are treated as references to ALEA; ALEA may apply for grants and accept gifts or donations.
Effective immediately upon 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: Law Enforcement Agencies