Alabama House Bill HB284

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/23
• Refer: 4/11/23
• Report Pass: 4/19/23

Caption

Relating to surplus state property; to authorize the State Forester to sell surplus personal property owned by the Alabama Forestry Commission.

Impact

The bill outlines specific requirements for how surplus property must be advertised and sold, ensuring transparency in the sale process. Public auctions must be announced at least two weeks in advance, and all sales will be public record, thus fostering accountability. Proceeds from any sales will be directed into the Alabama Forestry Commission Fund, which will be established for the commission’s use, thus providing a direct benefit to forestry efforts in Alabama.

Summary

House Bill 284 authorizes the State Forester to sell surplus personal property owned by the Alabama Forestry Commission, effectively transferring the responsibility for the sale of such items from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to the State Forester. This legislation is intended to streamline the process by which surplus property, including vehicles and equipment, can be disposed of, promoting efficiency within the state's administration of public assets.

Contention

While the bill does not appear to have faced significant opposition based on the available discussion materials, it could raise questions about the delegation of powers to the State Forester and the implications of privatizing surplus property sales, particularly regarding ethical considerations and potential conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the bill includes penalties for violations of its provisions, which could lead to legal challenges and require oversight to ensure compliance.