HB369 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeff SorrellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Captive cervids, authorizing Dept. of Agriculture and Industries to pay indemnity for cervids destroyed to combat chronic wasting disease (CWD)

Summary

HB369 creates a state indemnity program to compensate Alabama captive cervid owners for CWD-related purchases and destruction, supplementing federal indemnity payments.

What This Bill Does

The department may pay indemnity for the purchase and destruction of captive cervids that are CWD positive, exposed, or suspected, to augment the federal program. It creates the Chronic Wasting Disease Indemnity Fund in the state treasury, capped at $500,000. Payments are generally 95% of appraised value, up to $3,000 per animal, with reductions if federal payments exceed 5% of appraised value. Claim processes require formal forms, mortgage consent if applicable, and appraisal-based verification before payment.

Who It Affects

• Owners of captive cervids (private or public breeders) in Alabama who may file claims and receive indemnity payments for CWD-positive, exposed, or suspect animals, up to specified limits.
• The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and the state treasury, which would administer the indemnity program, manage the new fund, and process claims and payments.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Chronic Wasting Disease Indemnity Fund in the state treasury with a maximum balance of $500,000; funds used to pay indemnities under the act.
• Allows the Department of Agriculture and Industries to pay indemnity for the purchase and destruction of CWD positive, exposed, and suspect captive cervids, subject to funding and other restrictions.
• Indemnity payments are generally 95% of the appraised value, up to $3,000 per animal; if a federal payment exists and exceeds 5% of appraised value, the state payment is reduced by the amount over 5%.
• Appraised value is defined as fair market value based on the animal’s meat or breeding value.
• Claims must be filed on forms provided by the department and must include mortgage consent if applicable; appraisal must be signed by all proper parties before payment.
• The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Captive Cervids