AL HB494

Government agents (state/local employees, contractors, law enforcement, inspectors) would be required to obtain a warrant before entering any private real property, including "open fields" currently unprotected under existing law

Warrantless entry permitted only with owner/occupant consent, exigent circumstances, probable cause of imminent unlawful killing of wildlife or destruction of evidence, or to euthanize a crippled/distressed wild animal

Agents entering without a warrant must notify the property owner as soon as possible, activate body-worn cameras if equipped, and provide photo/video evidence when entering to euthanize an animal

Seizure of personal property (currency, vehicles, weapons, tools, animals, plants) from private land requires either a warrant or probable cause of a criminal act during lawful warrantless entry

Evidence obtained and arrests made from searches or seizures violating these requirements would be inadmissible and invalid in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; effective October 1, 2026