SB 9

To amend Section 9-11-433, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the issuance of annual stamps for waterfowl hunting; to provide for the issuance of lifetime waterfowl stamps and to establish fees; and to authorize for adjustment of the fees.

Section 1

Section 9-11-433, Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows:

§9-11-433.

(a) A stamp shall be issued to each hunting license applicant by the judge of probate or issuing officer of any county of the state or other authorized license agent as provided herein upon the payment of a fee of ten dollars ($10). Each stamp shall be valid for the duration of one hunting season as established by the department. Stamps shall be available for sale prior to any waterfowl season, including any special season which may precede the regular season.

(b) In lieu of an annual stamp, a lifetime migratory waterfowl stamp may be purchased by or for individuals meeting the residency requirements set out in Section 9-11-44 for the following license fees:

(1) Persons less than two years old, sixty-five dollars ($65).

(2) Persons age two through 11 years old, eighty-five dollars ($85).

(3) Persons age 12 through 49 years, one hundred five dollars ($105).

(4) Persons age 50 years and above, sixty-five dollars ($65).

(5) The stamp fee provided in this subsection may be subject to periodic adjustments by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources upon approval of the commissioner based on increases in the Consumer Price Index in the same manner as other fishing and hunting licenses and fees are adjusted pursuant to Section 9-11-68.

(b)(c) The judge of probate, or issuing officer, or other authorized license agent as provided herein shall be allowed a fee of one dollar ($1) for each license issued, which issuing fee shall be in addition to the cost of the stamp and shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 9-11-68. In counties where the judge of probate or issuing officer is on the fee system, the issuing fee shall be retained by the judge of probate or issuing officer, and in counties where the judge of probate or issuing officer is on a salary basis, the fee shall be paid into the county treasury to the credit of the appropriate fund.

(c)(d) Other license agents as authorized by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may issue migratory waterfowl stamps, provided the other authorized license agents prepurchase sheets of stamps for resale at face value plus the issuance fee provided herein. An agent shall place an initial order for one or more sheets of 10 stamps each for the license year. At the end of the license period, the agent may return unsold stamps for a refund."

Section 2

This act shall become effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.