SB123 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to permit voluntary feeding of game using spincast, broadcast, or container feeders year-round with required permits for each feeder.

• Permit fees are $50 per feeder per year, with 75% of collected fees deposited into the Game and Fish Fund and 25% into the state General Fund.

• County probate judges, license commissioners, or designated county officials issue permits; permits are initially available August 1 through October 15, then February 1 through March 15 in subsequent years.

• Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines of $300 to $500 per violation; the State Veterinarian may suspend the program due to disease or emergency outbreak.

• Participation is voluntary for hunters; the bill does not prohibit feeders used for non-hunting purposes and supersedes conflicting provisions in Code of Alabama Sections 9-11-244 and 9-11-245.