SB238 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim MelsonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Conservation and Natural Resources Dept., deputy game and fish wardens, positions abolished, Sec. 9-11-17 repealed; Secs. 9-2-28, 9-2-64, 9-11-1 amd.

Summary

SB 238 would abolish the deputy game and fish warden position and remove references to that role from Alabama law, while keeping the authority to appoint regular wardens.

What This Bill Does

It repeals the section that created deputies and amends key sections to exclude deputies from the warden definition. It defines wardens as conservation officers appointed by the Commissioner and requires wardens to take an oath and post a $1,000 bond before starting work, with reimbursement for travel when away from headquarters. The bill preserves the Commissioner's power to appoint wardens as needed to enforce game and fish laws, but removes the deputy warden position and any rules allowing deputies (for example, appointing club grounds personnel as deputies).

Who It Affects

• Deputy game and fish wardens: the position would be abolished and references to deputies would be removed from the relevant statutes.
• Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and its game and fish wardens: the role would be limited to wardens (no deputies), with the existing standards for appointment, oath, bond, and expense reimbursement guiding their duties.

Key Provisions

• Abolish the deputy game and fish warden position and delete any references to deputies; repeal Section 9-11-17.
• Amend Sections 9-2-28, 9-2-64, and 9-11-1 to define 'warden' as a conservation officer appointed by the Commissioner and to exclude deputies from the definition; remove deputy references where applicable.
• Remove the provision that allowed appointing club officials (superintendent/keeper) as deputy wardens, effectively eliminating deputy involvement in club grounds.
• Maintain the Commissioner's authority to appoint wardens as needed, require wardens to take an oath and post a $1,000 bond, and provide meal/lodging/transportation reimbursements when away from headquarters.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and governor 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

Game and Fish