HB189 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joe LovvornRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to the Alabama Forestry Commission; to establish the Rural Logging Efficiency Act of 2023; to create the Logging Efficiency Grant Fund to be administered by the Alabama Forestry Commission; and to provide for the distribution of funding to the Alabama Forestry Commission to support rural economic development.

Summary

HB189 creates the Rural Logging Efficiency Act and a Logging Efficiency Grant Fund to award grants for logging workforce development, forest harvesting/transportation technology, and rural bridge projects, funded from a portion of state utility tax proceeds and managed by the Alabama Forestry Commission.

What This Bill Does

It creates the Logging Efficiency Grant Fund in the State Treasury and assigns the Alabama Forestry Commission to administer grants from the fund. Funds are split: 5% for AFC administration, 10% for grants to support logging workforce development and technology, and 85% for grants to county commissions to maintain, repair, replace, and construct public rural bridges. An advisory committee of county government and forest industry representatives will help prioritize grants, with grants limited to Alabama residents and aimed at rural economic impact and forest product production. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Rural logging and forest products businesses and workers in Alabama, who could access grants for workforce development and technology improvements to harvesting and transportation.
• Rural counties and communities in Alabama, which could receive grants to maintain, repair, replace, and construct public rural bridges, supporting rural infrastructure and economic development.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Establishes the Logging Efficiency Grant Fund in the State Treasury with funding sources directed by the Legislature, plus grants and donations; allocates 5% for administration, 10% for grants supporting logging workforce development and technology, and 85% for grants to county commissions for rural bridges; funds are to be used for the described purposes and only as appropriated by the Legislature.
• Provision 2: Creates an advisory committee (with county government and forest products industry representatives) to prioritize grants, requires Alabama residency and non-discrimination in grant access, defines rural area and rural bridge, requires the Alabama Forestry Commission to adopt rules, ensure proper use of revenues, and establishes the act's effective date.

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