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HB 509

Game breeder license; possessory interest in deer established; killing, testing, prohibition of transfer of deer by state agencies for disease prohibited, subject to exceptions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Sorrells

Alabama law grants private deer breeders ownership rights over captive herds and restricts state agencies from testing or transferring them without consent.

Enacted
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Bill Summary · HB 509

Legislative bill overview

HB 509 establishes a game breeder licensing system in Alabama that grants private breeders possessory ownership rights over captive deer herds. The bill prohibits state agencies from killing, testing for disease, or transferring deer owned by licensed breeders, with limited exceptions.

Why is this important

This legislation shifts control of captive deer management from state wildlife agencies to private operators, potentially affecting disease surveillance for conditions like chronic wasting disease (CWD) that pose risks to wild deer populations. It represents a significant change in how Alabama regulates captive wildlife operations and the state's ability to respond to disease threats in both captive and wild herds.

Potential points of contention

  • Disease control authority: Restricting state agency testing and intervention in captive deer herds may compromise early detection and containment of diseases like CWD that could spread to wild populations
  • Wildlife agency oversight: The bill limits traditional regulatory authority of Alabama's fish and wildlife department, potentially creating conflicts between private breeder interests and public wildlife management
  • Undefined exceptions: The bill references exceptions to the transfer and testing prohibitions without fully clarifying what circumstances would trigger them, creating ambiguity in enforcement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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