Alabama deer breeders and hunting lodges could receive reimbursement if animals were depopulated for disease containment, under a bill approved Thursday by the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee.

HB 369 by Rep. Jeff Sorrells, R-Hartford, would indemnify owners of captive deer and other cervids destroyed due to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) infection or exposure. The legislation would authorize payment by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries for animal losses not covered by a federal reimbursement program, up to 95 percent of appraised value or a maximum of $3,000 per head. 

The bill also would establish the Chronic Wasting Disease Indemnity Fund within the Treasury Department and cap deposits at $500,000. HB 369 now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration.