The bill HB267 amends various sections of the Code of Alabama 1975 concerning the State Forestry Commission, introducing new provisions while repealing outdated ones. Key changes include granting the State Forester the ability to earn sick and annual leave and receive travel reimbursements, aligning their benefits with those of other state employees. The bill also removes the commission's authority to appoint forest law enforcement officers and refines the process for obtaining burn permits, establishing penalties for conducting prescribed burns without a permit or violating fire prevention measures during drought conditions. Additionally, it mandates that seized vehicles and equipment be delivered to the State Forester or their designee, while repealing sections related to forest fire wardens and outdated procedures.

Moreover, the bill enhances fire management regulations by establishing that uncontrolled fires in forested or grassland areas are public nuisances, requiring responsible parties to extinguish them. It empowers organized fire suppression forces to manage these fires and allows the State Forestry Commission to declare wildfire emergencies with the Governor's approval. New provisions for burn permits require applicants to demonstrate adequate resources and skills, with the State Forester having the authority to issue or deny permits based on fire risk conditions. The bill also stipulates that fines for violations will support the Alabama Forestry Commission Fund, aiming to improve fire safety and management practices in Alabama. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9-3-5, 9-3-7, 9-13-3, 9-13-10, 9-13-11, 9-13-12, 9-13-140, 9-13-141, 9-13-142, 9-13-221, 9-13-225, 9-3-5, 9-13-11, 9-13-5, 9-13-6, 9-13-7, 9-13-8, 9-13-9, 9-13-13, 9-13-14, 9-13-15, 9-13-24, 9-13-64, 9-13-223, 9-13-226, 9-3-5, 9-3-7, 9-13-3, 9-13-10, 9-13-11, 9-13-12, 9-13-140, 9-13-141, 9-13-142, 9-13-221, 9-13-225
Engrossed: 9-3-5, 9-3-7, 9-13-3, 9-13-10, 9-13-11, 9-13-12, 9-13-140, 9-13-141, 9-13-142, 9-13-221, 9-13-225, 9-3-5, 9-13-11, 9-13-5, 9-13-6, 9-13-7, 9-13-8, 9-13-9, 9-13-13, 9-13-14, 9-13-15, 9-13-24, 9-13-64, 9-13-223, 9-13-226, 9-3-5, 9-3-7, 9-13-3, 9-13-10, 9-13-11, 9-13-12, 9-13-140, 9-13-141, 9-13-142, 9-13-221, 9-13-225
Enrolled: 9-3-5, 9-3-7, 9-13-3, 9-13-10, 9-13-11, 9-13-12, 9-13-140, 9-13-141, 9-13-142, 9-13-221, 9-13-225, 9-3-5, 9-13-11, 9-13-5, 9-13-6, 9-13-7, 9-13-8, 9-13-9, 9-13-13, 9-13-14, 9-13-15, 9-13-24, 9-13-64, 9-13-223, 9-13-226, 9-3-5, 9-3-7, 9-13-3, 9-13-10, 9-13-11, 9-13-12, 9-13-140, 9-13-141, 9-13-142, 9-13-221, 9-13-225