SB271 Summary

• Creates the Division of Conservation and Natural Resources within the Department of Agriculture and Industries, effective October 1, 2019, transferring all functions, duties, employees, property, funds, and contracts from the former independent Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

• Establishes a Director of the Division appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries to oversee transferred functions, with authority to reorganize the division subject to commissioner approval.

• Protects transferred employees by maintaining their classification, benefits, and seniority with no decrease in salary or compensation as a result of the reorganization.

• Amends Code sections 2-2-8, 9-2-14, and 9-2-15 to reflect the new organizational structure, including updating references to the Advisory Board of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Commissioner's duties regarding conservation policy.

• Directs the Code Commissioner to make conforming changes throughout the Code of Alabama 1975 to reflect the departmental transfer.