HB356 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

HB356 would ban transporting cats or dogs on the open flatbed of a truck on public highways unless the animal is secured in a cage, with fines for violations.

What This Bill Does

The bill prohibits moving a cat or dog on the open platform of a flatbed truck on a public highway unless the animal is secured in a cage. It defines what counts as a flatbed truck and as a public highway. Violations carry fines—up to $50 for a first offense and up to $200 for each subsequent offense. There is an exception for crossing a public highway to continue on a county or municipal road. The bill discusses local spending requirements under Amendment 621 but states it is exempt from those rules because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Flatbed truck drivers operating on public highways would be restricted from transporting cats or dogs on the open platform unless the animal is secured in a cage, subject to fines.
• Pet owners or animal transporters who use flatbed trucks would need to ensure their animals are secured in cages to avoid penalties.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits transporting a cat or dog on the open platform of a flatbed truck on a public highway unless secured in a cage that prevents falling, being thrown, or jumping.
• Defines flatbed truck and public highway for the purposes of the section.
• Imposes fines: up to $50 for a first offense and up to $200 for each subsequent offense.
• Exempts crossing a public highway to continue onto a county or municipal road from the prohibition.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.
• The bill notes local spending rules under Amendment 621 but is deemed exempt because it creates a new 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