HB476 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Barry Mask

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Toll bridges, authorized distance between decreased, Sec. 23-1-81 am'd.

Summary

HB476 would allow toll bridges to be built within one mile of another toll bridge on the same watercourse, instead of the current two-mile limit.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 23-1-81 to reduce the minimum distance between toll bridges on the same watercourse from two miles to one mile. This change could enable more toll bridges to be placed closer together on the same waterway. The bill preserves the existing licensing framework for toll facilities and toll rates by counties and the State Department of Transportation and states that after licensing, no further government license, tax, or fee is required to construct or operate the toll facility.

Who It Affects

• County commissions in Alabama, which license toll facilities and may set tolls (in coordination with other counties when facilities cross county lines).
• The State Department of Transportation, which licenses toll facilities and sets toll rates.
• Licensees (individuals, groups, partnerships, corporations, associations, or other entities) that establish or operate toll roads, bridges, ferries, or causeways and fix toll rates.
• Travelers and nearby residents who may encounter toll bridges built closer together on the same watercourse.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 23-1-81 to change the distance rule: toll bridges on the same watercourse may now be established within one mile of another toll bridge (replacing the previous two-mile requirement).
• After a license is issued by a county or the State Department of Transportation for a toll facility, no further license, tax, or fee from any government body is required to construct or operate the toll facility.
• Licensed entities may establish and fix toll rates; if toll facilities lie on or over the line between two counties, both counties shall license them.
• The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources retains authority to grant easements and licenses for placing bridges on state land.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Toll Roads and Bridges