AL HB267

State Forester authorized to earn and use annual and sick leave and receive travel reimbursement as if a classified or unclassified state employee, while remaining outside the Merit System

Removes the Forestry Commission's authority to appoint forest law enforcement officers with full police power; employees retain ability to enter lands and construct firebreaks to suppress fires

Requires burn permits from the State Forestry Commission for all prescribed burns; permits may be issued electronically and denied for applicants with history of reckless conduct or during declared wildfire alerts

Creates authority for State Forester to declare "wildfire alerts" for heightened fire danger conditions and "wildfire emergency" declarations (with Governor approval) replacing former "drought" terminology

Exempts Forestry Commission construction/maintenance projects under $750,000 from Division of Construction Management oversight; violations during wildfire emergencies classified as Class B misdemeanor

Effective date: October 1, 2026