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HB 476ALABAMASession 2026rsState Billin committee

Alabama HB 476 authorizes unlicensed temporary care for injured or orphaned wildlife

Original title: Conservation; right to care for injured wildlife under certain conditions established

Last action · February 19, 2026: Pending Committee Action in House of OriginSponsor: Ben Harrison

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
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What This Bill Would Do

Individuals in Alabama may provide temporary care to injured, orphaned, or debilitated non- wild birds and animals without a state permit, effective October 1, 2026. The care period is capped at six months for most wildlife and three years for beavers, and certain rabies-vector species must be vaccinated before release.

Why it matters

Residents who find injured or orphaned wildlife can legally provide life-sustaining care without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, subject to specific duration and release requirements.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Individuals providing wildlife care

Individuals are authorized to provide temporary care to non-federally protected injured or orphaned wildlife without a state permit, subject to duration and vaccination rules.

Directly affected

Municipalities

Municipalities are authorized to adopt local ordinances concerning the care or treatment of wild birds and animals that do not conflict with state or federal law.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to care for an injured bird or animal in Alabama under this bill?
No, individuals may provide good-faith care to injured, orphaned, or debilitated wild birds and animals that are not or endangered without a permit, provided they follow statutory guidelines.
How long am I allowed to keep an injured wild animal under my care?
The length of care may not exceed six months, with the exception of beavers, which may be cared for up to three years.
Where must the animal be released after recovery?
The wild bird or animal must be returned upon release to the general area from where it was collected.
Are there special rules for rabies-vector species like raccoons or skunks?
Yes, raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats must be vaccinated for rabies before being released if a veterinary facility that treats such animals is within five miles of where the animal is housed.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions
  1. Feb 19, 2026HouseCommittee
    Pending Committee Action in House of Origin
  2. Feb 19, 2026HouseIntroduced
    Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

Lobbying Activity

No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.

Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Sponsors

Ben HarrisonHouse · District 2RepublicanPrimary sponsor

Connected Entities

Rehm, Ben Harrison, Paschal and 10 more
PersonRehm“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonBen Harrison“Primary sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonPaschal“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonFincher“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonMyrex“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonButler“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonMooney“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonUnderwood“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonYarbrough“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonStringer“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
OrganizationDepartment of Conservation and Natural Resources“Issues permits for possessing protected wild birds or animals under existing rul”Map →
PersonGidley“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →
PersonWhorton“Representative and co-sponsor of HB 476.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

alison.legislature.state.al.us

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance60
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy15
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment10
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz25
    Current news / social attention level

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