SB254 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew JonesSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

ATV parks, provides for permitting, inspection, operation, and fines for violations

Summary

The bill would require ATV parks to obtain a county permit, be inspected, and face fines for violations.

What This Bill Does

Starting January 1, 2025, ATV parks must obtain a valid permit from the county to operate. To get a permit, operators must provide proof of liability insurance of at least $5 million, an emergency services contract, a detailed map and access plan, routes on public roads, estimated tract sizes, and contact information, and the county engineer must inspect the site before approval. If a park operates without a permit, the operator can be fined up to $5,000 for each day of violation, with fines deposited to the county road and bridge fund, and the county may seek an injunction. The bill sets a permit fee cap of $50, requires operators to follow forestry best management practices, allows counties to contract with the State Forester to provide inspectors, and provides an agricultural-use exemption from needing a permit.

Who It Affects

• ATV park operators/owners who charge a fee to operate on private property must obtain the county permit and meet the insurance, inspection, and information requirements.
• Counties and county officials (county commissions, engineers, license inspectors) who issue and inspect permits, enforce penalties, and oversee compliance with the act.

Key Provisions

• Starting January 1, 2025, ATV parks must obtain a county permit to operate.
• Permit fee cannot exceed $50.
• Permit application must include: $5,000,000 liability insurance indemnifying the county and nearby properties, emergency services contract, detailed site map and access points, access plan details, expected routes on public roads, estimated acreage, operator contact information, insurer details, and other required certifications.
• Permit approval requires county engineer inspection; deficiencies lead to a denial recommendation with notice to the applicant.
• Agricultural use is exempt from the permit requirement; permit does not authorize crossing or driving on county roads.
• If operating without a permit, fines are $5,000 per day; fines go to the county road fund; the county may seek an injunction and recover penalties.
• Enforcement is through the county license inspector; fines are doubled for subsequent citations.
• Operators must follow best management practices established by the Alabama Forestry Commission; the county may contract with the State Forester to provide inspectors.
• Effective date is October 1, 2024 (note: permit operation starts January 1, 2025).

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

Subjects

Counties & Municipalities