Committee advances multiple local-government measures, including redistricting timing and procurement fixes
January 20, 2026 | Senate, Alabama Legislative Sessions, Alabama
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The Senate County and Municipal Government Committee considered a slate of bills and advanced several measures to the full Senate.
Redistricting timing (SB23): The committee heard Senate Bill 23 (sponsor: Senator Gudger), which would require the state to hold a special primary for affected districts if boundaries are changed by legislative action or a court order too late for the regular primary; the bill creates roughly a 100-day additional window and requires any special primary to be completed by Sept. 1. The committee gave SB23 a favorable report.
Peer-to-peer car sharing (SB109): Senator Elliott presented SB109, which establishes rules, taxation and insurance requirements for peer-to-peer vehicle sharing; members noted prior committee and floor activity and the committee again advanced the bill.
Procurement for vehicle repairs (SB115): Sponsor Senator Coleman Madison said SB115 extends existing processes used for heavy equipment to routine vehicle repairs under $15,000, requiring two bids for such work; the committee approved the bill.
County land transfer exemption (SB131): Senator Stewart described SB131, which establishes a 24-month transfer exemption for unincorporated county property transferred to an immediate family member and tightens the rule so subdivision regulations apply if the land leaves the immediate family within 24 months; members said the change closes an existing loophole and the bill passed.
Ordinance and notice rules (SB148): Senator Allen’s bill makes certain municipal actions an ordinance rather than a resolution and requires 30 days' notice before public hearings on new taxes or fees; an amendment moved the effective date to Oct. 1, 2026. Public testimony included support for transparency and opposition from the Alabama League of Municipalities citing potential cost and duplicative requirements; the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill.
Gadsden candidate fees (SB165): Senator Jones introduced SB165 to raise candidate qualification fees in the city of Gadsden and to require proof of indigence for fee waivers; the committee moved the bill favorably.
Several bills passed on voice votes or by previous roll call and will be sent to the Senate calendar for further action.
Redistricting timing (SB23): The committee heard Senate Bill 23 (sponsor: Senator Gudger), which would require the state to hold a special primary for affected districts if boundaries are changed by legislative action or a court order too late for the regular primary; the bill creates roughly a 100-day additional window and requires any special primary to be completed by Sept. 1. The committee gave SB23 a favorable report.
Peer-to-peer car sharing (SB109): Senator Elliott presented SB109, which establishes rules, taxation and insurance requirements for peer-to-peer vehicle sharing; members noted prior committee and floor activity and the committee again advanced the bill.
Procurement for vehicle repairs (SB115): Sponsor Senator Coleman Madison said SB115 extends existing processes used for heavy equipment to routine vehicle repairs under $15,000, requiring two bids for such work; the committee approved the bill.
County land transfer exemption (SB131): Senator Stewart described SB131, which establishes a 24-month transfer exemption for unincorporated county property transferred to an immediate family member and tightens the rule so subdivision regulations apply if the land leaves the immediate family within 24 months; members said the change closes an existing loophole and the bill passed.
Ordinance and notice rules (SB148): Senator Allen’s bill makes certain municipal actions an ordinance rather than a resolution and requires 30 days' notice before public hearings on new taxes or fees; an amendment moved the effective date to Oct. 1, 2026. Public testimony included support for transparency and opposition from the Alabama League of Municipalities citing potential cost and duplicative requirements; the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill.
Gadsden candidate fees (SB165): Senator Jones introduced SB165 to raise candidate qualification fees in the city of Gadsden and to require proof of indigence for fee waivers; the committee moved the bill favorably.
Several bills passed on voice votes or by previous roll call and will be sent to the Senate calendar for further action.
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