SB199 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg AlbrittonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Forestry Commission, authorized to adopt rules concerning state forests and other land it controls, penalties; Sec. 9-13-10.2 added

Summary

The bill would allow the Alabama Forestry Commission to set and enforce rules for state forests and lands it controls and create penalties for violations, while noting an exemption from certain local-funds requirements.

What This Bill Does

It adds Section 9-13-10.2 giving the Alabama Forestry Commission authority to adopt, alter, amend, or repeal rules governing preservation, protection, and use of state forests and other lands it owns or controls, and to enforce those rules with penalties. Violations would be a Class C misdemeanor with fines of $50 to $500 per offense, and the offender could be required to pay court costs; fines would go to the Alabama Forestry Commission Fund. The State Forester and designated Commission staff would have authority to defer charges and issue citations for violations. The bill is stated to be exempt from certain local-funds requirements under Amendment 621 and would take effect immediately after the governor’s signature.

Who It Affects

• The Alabama Forestry Commission and its employees, who gain rulemaking authority and enforcement powers over state forests and related lands.
• Members of the public who violate the rules, who would face a Class C misdemeanor and fines (and potential costs) with fines deposited into the Alabama Forestry Commission Fund.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Commission to adopt, alter, amend, or repeal rules governing preservation, protection, and use of state forests and other lands it controls.
• Imposes a Class C misdemeanor for violations, with fines of $50-$500 per offense and potential costs; directs fines to be paid into the Alabama Forestry Commission Fund; grants enforcement authority to the State Forester and designated staff; becomes effective immediately after governor's approval.

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

Subjects

Forestry Commission