AL SB263

Authorizes the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to make indemnity payments for captive cervids (deer, elk, moose, etc.) infected with or exposed to chronic wasting disease that are purchased and destroyed.

Limits state payments to 95 percent of appraised value per animal, with a maximum of $3,000 per animal, and only when the federal program does not pay or when federal payments are insufficient to reach 95 percent of appraised value.

Establishes the Chronic Wasting Disease Indemnity Fund in the State Treasury with a maximum balance of $500,000 to be administered by the department for making indemnity payments.

Requires claims to be documented on department forms and signed by the owner and any mortgage holders; department must verify cervid appraisal based on fair market value before processing claims.

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