House Bill 267 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Jan 16, 2026

House Bill

In Committee

Current Status

2026 Regular Session

Session

Sponsor

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Chris Sells Representative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Alabama Forestry Commission; benefits of State Forester revised, burn permits process revised, penalties revised
Description: Under existing law, the State Forester is provided with actual expenses when traveling on official business of the State Forestry Commission.
This bill would authorize the State Forester to earn annual and sick leave and receive reimbursement for travel as if he or she were a state employee.
Under existing law, an employee of the Alabama Forestry Commission may be appointed by the commission as a forest law enforcement officer with full police power and authorization to carry firearms.
This bill would remove the ability of the commission to appoint forest law enforcement officers.
Under existing law, burning permits may be obtained under certain conditions and after following certain criteria.
This bill would refine the requirements to obtain a burn permit and when the State Forester may decline a burn permit.
This bill would also create a Class B misdemeanor for conducting a prescribed burn without first obtaining a burn permit.
Under existing law, any violation of fire prevention measures during drought conditions may result in a fine between $250 and $500 and a jail HB267 INTRODUCED sentence of less than six months.
This bill would make any violation a Class B misdemeanor.
Under existing law, vehicles and equipment seized after an arrest for violations of law involving timber or forest products are required to be delivered to regional foresters.
This bill would require seized vehicles and equipment to be delivered to the State Forester or his or her designee.
This bill would repeal provisions that governed the appointment, duties, and compensation of forest fire wardens.
This bill would repeal provisions that provide procedures and penalties for certain violations of fire prevention measures.
Subjects: Conservation & Natural Resources