HB133 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew SorrellAuditor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Animals, public highways, prohibit transporting animals in a flatbed truck

Summary

HB 133 would ban transporting animals in the open bed of a flatbed truck on public highways unless the animal is secured in a cage, creating a new offense with fines.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would prohibit transporting animals in the open platform of a flatbed truck on a public highway unless the animal is secured in a cage to prevent falling, being thrown, or jumping off. It defines flatbed truck and public highway to set the scope of the rule and then imposes fines for violations: up to $50 for a first offense and up to $200 for subsequent offenses. The bill creates a new crime and explains that it is treated as a local-crime change, but it does not require local government approval under Amendment 621. It also states the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it passes and the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Drivers who operate flatbed trucks and transport animals on public highways, who would need to secure animals in cages to avoid fines.
• Farmers, ranchers, and other animal handlers who use flatbed trucks to move animals, who must follow the cage requirement to stay compliant.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits transporting an animal in the open flatbed portion of a truck on a public highway unless the animal is secured in a cage that prevents falling, being thrown, or jumping.
• Defines flatbed truck and public highway for the purposes of the section.
• Establishes penalties: up to $50 for a first offense and up to $200 for each subsequent offense.
• Provides that the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.
• Excludes the bill from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it creates or amends a crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Animals