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HB 509

Oath Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Viola Davis and 3 co-sponsors

House Bill 509 grants game breeders ownership rights over cervids, limits state actions on disease management, and updates licensing regulations in Alabama.

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Bill Summary · HB 509

Summary of House Bill 509 (HB 509)

Overview

House Bill 509, titled "Game breeder license; possessory interest in deer established; killing, testing, prohibition of transfer of deer by state agencies for disease prohibited, subject to exceptions," was introduced on April 3, 2025, and has been enacted. The bill primarily addresses the regulation of game breeders in Alabama, specifically concerning cervids (members of the deer family).

Purpose and Intent

The main purpose of HB 509 is to amend existing laws regarding the management of cervids by:
- Establishing that cervids owned by licensed game breeders are considered personal property.
- Prohibiting state agencies from killing or testing cervids due to disease, with specific exceptions.
- Updating the legal framework governing game breeding to reflect current practices and standards.

Key Provisions

  1. Personal Property Rights:

    • Cervids possessed by licensed game breeders are classified as personal property of the licensee, effective from October 1, 2025.

  2. Restrictions on State Actions:

    • State agencies are prohibited from:
      • Killing cervids due to disease unless:
      • The disease has been detected in another cervid owned by the licensee.
      • The cervid was transferred from another licensee linked to a diseased cervid.
      • Conducting antemortem testing of cervids.
      • Restricting or prohibiting the transfer of cervids due to disease, provided certain conditions are met (e.g., negative disease tests).

  3. Game Breeder Licensing:

    • The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources is authorized to issue annual game breeder licenses, contingent upon thorough investigations of applicants.
    • License fees are established based on the number of cervids owned, with specific fees for different quantities (e.g., $250 for the first 50 animals, $500 for 51-100, and $1,000 for over 100).

  4. Regulatory Framework:

    • The Department of Conservation, in consultation with the State Veterinarian, is tasked with adopting rules by March 1, 2026, to facilitate the transfer of cervids within designated disease management zones.

  5. Technical Revisions:

    • The bill includes nonsubstantive revisions to update existing code language to current standards.

Impact

  • Game Breeders: The bill directly benefits licensed game breeders by granting them ownership rights over cervids and reducing the regulatory burden related to disease management.
  • State Agencies: The bill limits the authority of state agencies in managing cervids, particularly concerning disease-related actions.
  • Wildlife Management: The changes may influence wildlife management practices and disease control efforts within the state.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: April 3, 2025
  • Passed House: April 15, 2025
  • Passed Senate: May 7, 2025
  • Enacted: May 22, 2025

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of House Bill 509, outlining its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on game breeders and state wildlife management practices.

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

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