Bill > HB267

This bill revises various provisions related to the Alabama Forestry Commission, including updating the qualifications and benefits for the State Forester, who will now earn and use annual and sick leave and be reimbursed for travel expenses as if they were a state employee, though they will not be subject to the state Merit System, and increasing their bond requirement to $50,000. The bill also modifies the process for obtaining burn permits, requiring a declaration that the applicant has adequate resources and skills to control a fire, and allowing the State Forester to issue a "wildfire alert" that can restrict or deny burn permits based on dangerous conditions or past applicant behavior. Additionally, it clarifies that construction or maintenance projects for commission offices and facilities are exempt from the Division of Construction Management's oversight unless they exceed $750,000, and it expands the commission's authority to acquire and manage land. The bill also reclassifies certain forestry-related offenses, making violations of prescribed burning rules a Class B misdemeanor and clarifying penalties for other fire-related offenses, while also repealing some existing statutes concerning forest fire wardens and fire prevention measures. Finally, it updates procedures for the seizure and forfeiture of vehicles and equipment used in timber theft or related felony offenses, directing that such items be used by the Alabama Forestry Commission or sold.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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