HB482 Summary

• Establishes the Rural Logging Support Act of 2022 to support Alabama's forest product manufacturing sector and logging industry supply chain.

• Allocates the first $25,000,000 of the 15% of gross receipts tax on public utilities (previously going to State General Fund) to the Alabama Forestry Commission for grants to counties for rural bridge maintenance and construction, to the Forest Workforce Training Institute for logger training, and to loggers for onboard scales and transportation efficiency technologies.

• Allows the Alabama Forestry Commission to retain 5% of allocated funds for administrative purposes and requires 5% distribution to the Forest Workforce Training Institute, with up to 5% for logging company technology grants.

• Permits qualifying vehicles (equipped with onboard scales or weight documentation and occupant protection devices) transporting forest products to exceed standard weight restrictions up to 84,000 pounds gross weight with specific axle weight limits.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval.