Read the full stored bill text
HB550 INTRODUCED
Page 0
HB550
V7C3UVV-1
By Representatives Travis, Daniels, Clarke, Lands, Jones,
Forte, Hall, Warren, Datcher, Bracy, Hollis, Tillman, Moore
(M), McClammy, Hendrix, Morris, England, Sellers, McCampbell,
Hassell, Givan, Drummond, Jackson, Lawrence, Gray, Ensler,
Rafferty, Chestnut, Boyd
RFD: State Government
First Read: 03-Mar-26
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
V7C3UVV-1 02/18/2026 ZAK (L)ma 2025-3523
Page 1
First Read: 03-Mar-26
SYNOPSIS:
This bill would require the Department of
Agriculture and Industries to establish the Poultry
Export Recovery Grant Program to provide various forms
of support to poultry producers, processors, and
exporters.
This bill would require the department to assist
poultry exporters with identifying and entering new
international markets.
This bill would establish a capital investment
fund for cold storage facilities, refrigerated
transport vehicles, and export-focused logistics hubs .
This bill would require the state to increase
in-state demand for poultry products through certain
methods.
This bill would also establish the Poultry Trade
Risk Monitoring Task Force to assess poultry policy and
the industry and report thereon.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to poultry; to require the Department of
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
HB550 INTRODUCED
Page 2
Relating to poultry; to require the Department of
Agriculture and Industries to establish the Poultry Export
Recovery Grant Program for poultry industry support; to
require the department to assist exporters in identifying and
entering new international markets; to establish a capital
investment fund for cold storage infrastructure and logistics
hubs; to require the state to take certain actions to increase
in-state poultry demand; and to establish the Poultry Trade
Risk Monitoring Task Force to assess and report on poultry
policy and industry.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as
the Poultry Export Stabilization and Market Access Act.
Section 2. For purposes of this act, the following
terms have the following meanings:
(1) DEPARTMENT. The Department of Agriculture and
Industries.
(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY. A poultry producer, processor, or
exporter operating within the state.
(3) TRADE DISRUPTION. The loss of market access,
increased export costs, or reduced competitiveness caused by
foreign tariffs, sanitary regulations, or geopolitical
restrictions.
Section 3. (a) Subject to the Legislature appropriating
funds for this purpose, the department shall establish a
Poultry Export Recovery Grant Program to provide direct
financial assistance to eligible entities.
(b) Grants shall support operational continuity,
product redirection, employee retention, and loss and trade
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
HB550 INTRODUCED
Page 3
product redirection, employee retention, and loss and trade
disruption mitigation.
(c) The department shall prioritize applicants
demonstrating recent trade losses directly linked to foreign
tariffs or embargoes.
Section 4. (a) The department shall assist poultry
exporters in identifying and entering new international
markets.
(b) Support may include:
(1) Participation in state-led trade missions;
(2) Developing foreign marketing materials; and
(3) Assisting with international health and safety
certification.
(c) Priority shall be given to small and mid-sized
exporters.
Section 5. (a) Subject to the Legislature appropriating
funds for this purpose, a capital investment fund is
established for:
(1) Cold storage facilities;
(2) Refrigerated transport vehicles; and
(3) Export-focused logistics hubs.
(b) Grants or low-interest loans may be awarded to
eligible entities or local governments engaged in poultry
export infrastructure projects.
Section 6. (a) The state shall expand in-state demand
for poultry products through:
(1) Preferential purchasing in public institutions and
school meal programs;
(2) In-state marketing and public awareness campaigns;
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
HB550 INTRODUCED
Page 4
(2) In-state marketing and public awareness campaigns;
and
(3) Price stabilization contracts during periods of
international market downturn.
(b) On request, a state agency shall provide assistance
to the department in implementing this section.
Section 7. (a) The Poultry Trade Risk Monitoring Task
Force is established to do all of the following:
(1) Track developments in global poultry trade policy;
(2) Assess vulnerabilities and economic risks to the
poultry sector; and
(3) Advise the executive and legislative branches on
adaptive policy measures.
(b) The task force shall consist of nine individuals
that represent the poultry associations, poultry exporters,
academic experts, and all relevant state agencies. The
Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the
President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall each appoint 3
members of the task force.
(c) The chair of the task force, as designated by the
Governor from among his or her appointees, shall call the
first meeting of the task force which shall be not later than
January 1, 2027.
(d) The task force shall annually submit a report of
its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for any
proposed legislation to the Governor, Speaker of the House of
Representatives, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
not later than the first legislative day of each regular
legislative session.
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
HB550 INTRODUCED
Page 5
legislative session.
(e)(1) The legislative members of the task force, if
any, shall be entitled to their legislative compensation, per
diem, and travel expenses for each day they attend a meeting
of the task force pursuant to Section 49 of the Constitution
of Alabama of 2022.
(2) The nonlegislative members of the task force shall
serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary
expenses in attending meetings of the task force pursuant to
the policies of their appointing authority.
Section 8. This act shall become effective on July 1,
2027.
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123