SB399 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Division of Conservation and Natural Resources, created, Ag. and Industries Dept., Secs. 2-2-8, 9-2-14, 9-2-15 am'd.

Summary

SB399 would merge the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources into the Department of Agriculture and Industries as a Division, transferring all duties, property, and staff by October 1, 2018.

What This Bill Does

Creates the Division of Conservation and Natural Resources within the Department of Agriculture and Industries. Transfers all functions, duties, papers, funds, property, employees, and other effects of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to the Division. Requires conforming changes in Alabama law to reflect the new structure, with an effective date of October 1, 2018. The Division Director will be appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, with salary set by the commissioner, and employees retain their classifications and benefits without reductions due to the transfer.

Who It Affects

• Employees of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources who will be transferred to the Division of Conservation and Natural Resources within the Department of Agriculture and Industries; they must keep their existing classifications and benefits, and should not have pay, benefits, or seniority reduced as a result of the transfer.
• The Division of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture and Industries' leadership; they will oversee the transferred duties and resources, and the Code will be amended to reflect the new organization with the Division taking over functions and reporting arrangements.

Key Provisions

• Creation of the Division of Conservation and Natural Resources within the Department of Agriculture and Industries and transfer of all duties, powers, papers, funds, property, employees, and other effects from the existing Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
• Effective October 1, 2018, all powers, duties, records, property, employees, and unexpended funds transfer to the Division; references in law to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are changed to refer to the Division within the Department; Code sections 2-2-8, 9-2-14, and 9-2-15 are amended accordingly.
• The Division Director is appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, serves at the commissioner's pleasure, and oversees the division's functions, with the commissioner setting the director's salary and authority to reorganize; employee classifications and compensation are preserved.
• An Advisory Board of Conservation and Natural Resources is established to advise on policies and rules, review regulations, and promote wildlife and natural resources work; board composition includes the Governor, the Commissioner, and other appointed members, with defined duties and meeting rules.

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

Subjects

Agriculture and Industries Department