SB76 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

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

SB76 creates the Rural Logging Efficiency Act and a Logging Efficiency Grant Fund to support rural logging workforce development, forest technology research, and public rural bridges in Alabama using a portion of state license tax proceeds from certain public utilities.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Logging Efficiency Grant Fund, managed by the Alabama Forestry Commission, to distribute grants for three purposes: logging workforce development, research and adoption of technologies that improve forest harvesting and transportation efficiency, and maintenance or construction of public rural bridges in counties. The funding is allocated as 5% for AFC administration, 10% for workforce development and technology, and 85% to counties for bridges, with grants prioritized by matching contributions and rural economic impact. The act requires rules to prevent discrimination, requires grant applicants to be Alabama residents, creates an advisory committee to help prioritize projects, and ensures funds are spent only when appropriated by the Legislature according to the Budget Management Act.

Who It Affects

• Logging and forest products companies in Alabama receive grants for workforce development and technology to improve harvesting and transport efficiency.
• Rural counties and communities receive grants to maintain, repair, replace, and construct public rural bridges and to support rural economic development.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Rural Logging Efficiency Act of 2023 and the Logging Efficiency Grant Fund in the State Treasury.
• Specifies funding allocations: 5% for Alabama Forestry Commission administration, 10% for logging workforce development and technology, 85% to counties for public rural bridges, with priority based on matching contributions and rural economic impact.
• Alabama Forestry Commission administers grants and must adopt rules; grants must be non-discriminatory and Alabama residents are eligible.
• Establishes an advisory committee with representation from county government and the forest products industry and ensures diverse membership.
• Funds come from Legislature-directed revenues, grants, gifts, bequests, appropriations, and other lawful sources; expenditures require legislative appropriation and budgeting under the Budget Management Act; key terms defined (forest products, rural area, rural bridge).

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