HB618 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mac McCutcheon

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Mike BallRandy WoodHoward Sanderford

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Housing authorities, municipal and county, authorized to purchase property for public housing, approval of city council or county commission, Secs. 24-1-28, 24-1-67 am'd.

Summary

HB618 would remove the ability of municipal and county housing authorities to use eminent domain and require local government approval and notice before purchasing property for public housing.

What This Bill Does

Specifically, the bill would eliminate eminent domain power for housing authorities and limit them to purchasing property for public housing only. It would require approval from the city council or county commission after notifying affected property owners. It also sets notice requirements (not less than 30 days before the vote, for owners within 500 yards) and imposes conditions on what kinds of property may be acquired. It preserves some restrictions, such as allowing acquisition of property already devoted to public use, while prohibiting acquisition of land owned by a city within the authority’s boundaries or by any government without consent, and requiring regulatory approval (like PSC) for property owned by a public utility.

Who It Affects

• Municipal and county housing authorities would lose their eminent domain power and must obtain local approval to buy land for public housing.
• Nearby property owners within 500 yards of a proposed purchase would need to be notified at least 30 days before the local vote on the purchase.

Key Provisions

• Eliminates the power of municipal and county housing authorities to exercise eminent domain.
• Allows housing authorities to purchase property only for public housing purposes (no broader land condemnation).
• Requires approval by the city council or county commission before a purchase, after notice to affected property owners.
• Requires notice to property owners within 500 yards of the proposed site not less than 30 days before the approval meeting.
• Specifies that property already devoted to public use may be acquired; property belonging to cities within the authority's boundaries or to any government requires that body's consent.
• Prohibits acquiring property belonging to a public utility without approval from the Public Service Commission or other regulatory body.
• Amends Sections 24-1-28 and 24-1-67 to implement these changes.
• Effective date: becomes law immediately after governor's approval.

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

Subjects

Housing Authorities