AL HB203

Henry County Sheriff's Office must maintain records of all abandoned and stolen property recovered, including descriptions, recovery dates, and serial numbers, with records open to public inspection

Unclaimed property may be sold at public auction (including internet auctions) after remaining unclaimed for at least 6 months, with prior notice published in local newspaper for 2 weeks or posted at the courthouse for 20 days

Firearm sales must be conducted by a federal firearms license holder and comply with ATF transfer requirements; unclaimed firearms may alternatively be used by the sheriff's office for law enforcement or destroyed if unsafe

Sale proceeds are held for 6 months for the original owner to claim; unclaimed net proceeds after expenses are deposited into the Sheriff's Fund for law enforcement purposes and subject to state audit

Effective date: May 1, 2026