HB467 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kyle South
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Surface mining, reclamation permit, fee, payable over life of mine, Sec. 9-16-83 am'd.
Summary: HB467 requires reclamation permit fees for surface coal mining to be paid over the life of the mine, not just the permit term.
What This Bill Does
It amends the law to make the reclamation permit fee payable over the life of the mine. Life of the mine is defined as the permit term plus the time needed to finish all mining and reclamation work and to obtain a full release of the performance bond for each bonded area. The fee must cover the anticipated cost of reviewing, administering, and enforcing the permit and must be at least $1,000 but not exceed the anticipated cost. The regulatory authority must develop procedures to allow payment over the life of the permit, i.e., the life of the mine.

Who It Affects
Surface coal mining operators and permit applicants, who would pay permit fees over the life of the mine instead of only during the permit term.
The Alabama Division of Surface Mining Control and Reclamation (regulatory authority), which must implement procedures to allow this payment structure and oversee compliance.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 9-16-83(a) to require the reclamation permit fee be payable over the life of the mine.
Defines life of the mine as the permit term plus the time required to complete all surface mining and reclamation activities and obtain full release of the performance bond for each bonded area.
Maintains a minimum fee of $1,000 and an upper limit equal to the anticipated cost of reviewing, administering, and enforcing the permit.
Requires the regulatory authority to develop procedures to enable payment of the fee over the life of the permit (life of the mine).
Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

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