HB454 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve McMillan
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Baldwin Co., prohibit a person from owning or operating or installing, creating, building, or fabricating a secret compartment to conceal contraband, const. amend.
Summary: HB 454 would amend the Alabama Constitution to ban secret compartments in vehicles, aircraft, or vessels in Baldwin County, with penalties and forfeiture for violations.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, it would forbid owning, operating, installing, creating, building, or fabricating a false or secret compartment in a motor vehicle, aircraft, or vessel to conceal contraband or controlled substances. It would impose criminal penalties and allow seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle and any items in the secret compartment, following state forfeiture procedures. The amendment would apply only in Baldwin County, and it includes a transitional rule that new vehicle owners aren’t liable for prior violations if they were unaware and take steps to restore the vehicle. The Legislature could set local penalties, and an election would be held to approve the amendment.

Who It Affects
Owners and operators of motor vehicles, aircraft, or vessels in Baldwin County, who would be prohibited from possessing or using a vehicle with a false or secret compartment to conceal contraband or controlled substances.
New owners of such vehicles and law enforcement/local authorities who would enforce, prosecute, and administer penalties and forfeitures under the amendment.

Key Provisions
Prohibits knowingly owning, operating, installing, creating, building, or fabricating a false or secret compartment in a motor vehicle, aircraft, or vessel to conceal contraband or controlled substances in Baldwin County.
Defines key terms: aircraft, false or secret compartment, motor vehicle, vessel.
Establishes criminal penalties and authorizes seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle and contents, with procedures aligned to existing state forfeiture law.
Provides a transitional rule: a new owner is not criminally liable for violations that occurred before title transfer if unaware and if they restore the vehicle to its original design.
Applies only to Baldwin County and requires a local election to approve the amendment; allows local penalties to be set by the Legislature.

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