HB376 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Trails Commission within the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to advance development, interconnection, and use of trails throughout the state.

• Commission comprises 11 members including representatives appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and various state departments (Transportation, Tourism, Conservation and Natural Resources), plus local government and business representatives.

• Defines "trail" to include paved and unpaved trails as well as freshwater and saltwater paddling trails, and designates trail users including hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, paddlers, and recreational users.

• Assigns commission duties including developing the Alabama Trails System, facilitating interconnected landscape linkages, reviewing trail designation proposals, encouraging public-private partnerships, and organizing a nonprofit corporation for trail support activities.

• Creates a separate Alabama Trails Commission Advisory Board with 13 members representing legislators, universities, forestry, agriculture, health, utilities, farmers, environmental organizations, and federal agencies to advise the commission.