HB2 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Hanes

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Trapping animals on public lands, liability limited to injuries caused by traps used on public land in violation of state laws or rules, Sec. 9-11-264 am'd.

Summary

HB2 limits strict civil liability for injuries from traps on public lands to cases where traps are used in violation of state trapping laws or rules, and excludes Lawrence County.

What This Bill Does

The bill narrows existing strict liability by tying it to violations of state trapping laws or rules. If a person is injured by a trap on public land in violation of those laws or rules, they can sue for civil damages and do not have to prove negligence. If the trap was used in compliance with laws, this strict-liability provision would not apply. The measure also states it does not apply to Lawrence County and does not change defenses for state agents or employees, and it becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals or their domestic animals who are injured on public lands by traps, who would be able to seek civil damages only if the trap was used in violation of state laws or rules (and who would not need to prove negligence in those cases).
• Trap operators (such as hunters) who place or use traps on public lands, whose potential liability under this provision depends on whether their trap use complies with state laws and rules.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 9-11-264 to limit strict liability for injuries on public land to injuries caused by traps used in violation of state trapping laws or rules.
• Allows an aggrieved person to sue for civil damages without proving negligence when the injury results from activity on public land that violates state laws or rules.
• Specifies the provision does not apply to Lawrence County.
• States the section is not intended to expand or limit defenses of state agents or employees.
• Effective immediately following 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

Animals