SB150 Summary

• Amends Section 9-13-11 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to make it a Class C felony to willfully, maliciously, or intentionally set fire to forests, grasses, or woodlands not owned, leased, or controlled by the person setting the fire.

• Prohibits possession or placement of incendiary paraphernalia, including time-delay incendiary devices, in or adjacent to forests, grass, woodlands, or inflammable vegetation not owned or controlled by the possessor.

• Establishes a Class A misdemeanor for recklessly or with wanton disregard burning forests, grass, woodlands, or inflammable vegetation on lands not owned, leased, controlled, or lawfully possessed by the person without the owner's permission.

• Maintains Class B misdemeanor penalties for various improper burning practices including allowing fires to escape, burning debris without precautions, and burning in organized forest fire protection areas without proper permits.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.