HB297 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kyle South

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Appropriation, increase amount to the Emergency Forest Fire and Insect and Disease Fund from state General Fund, increase max amount for accumulation of funds, Sec. 9-3-10.1 am'd.

Summary

HB 297 would boost the automatic yearly transfer to Alabama's Emergency Forest Fire, Insect and Disease Fund and raise the fund's maximum balance to improve emergency readiness.

What This Bill Does

It increases the automatic annual transfer from the General Fund to the Emergency Forest Fire, Insect and Disease Fund from $180,000 to $250,000. It raises the fund's maximum accumulated amount from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. The fund can be spent to meet emergency forest fire, insect, and disease needs as deemed necessary by the State Forester and Governor, with expenditures including salaries and capital items, and requires Governor approval. The Comptroller will continue to transfer funds and replenish the fund annually, with replenishment occurring within about one week after the start of each fiscal year.

Who It Affects

• Alabama state budget administrators (General Fund, Comptroller) who manage and replenish the automatic transfer and the fund's cap.
• State Forester, Governor, and related agencies responsible for emergency forest fire, insect, and disease response, who would have access to more funds and must approve expenditures.

Key Provisions

• Automatic appropriation to the Emergency Forest Fire, Insect and Disease Fund increases from $180,000 to $250,000 at the beginning of each state fiscal year.
• Maximum accumulated amount in the fund increases from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
• Funds may be expended for emergency needs (salaries, capital expenditures, or other necessary expenditures) as approved by the State Forester and Governor.
• Governor approval is required for expenditures under this fund, and the Comptroller must replenish the fund within one week after the start of each state fiscal year.

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

Subjects

Appropriations