AL SB128

Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Industries must maintain permanent records of all abandoned and stolen personal property recovered by the department, including description, date of recovery, serial numbers, and place of recovery, with records open to public inspection.

Commissioner may sell or destroy unclaimed firearms if owner does not claim them within six months of recovery; firearms may only be sold to licensed gun dealers with at least one year active business license, with proceeds paid to the Agricultural Fund.

Commissioner must conduct public auctions at least every six months to sell unclaimed abandoned or stolen personal property (other than firearms) to the highest bidder for cash, with notice published in newspapers or posted at department office for at least 20 days.

Property owners may claim abandoned or stolen property at any time before sale by providing proof of ownership and paying recovery, maintenance, storage, and pro rata publication costs.

Net proceeds from all property and firearm sales, after deducting expenses, must be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of the Agricultural Fund; act becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval.