HB71 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Ball
Republican
Co-Sponsor: Howard Sanderford
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Municipal public housing authorities, exercise of power of eminent domain with approval of municipal council, Sec. 24-1-28 am'd. (2011-20195)
Summary: HB71 would authorize a municipal public housing authority to exercise eminent domain only with approval from the municipal council, and under specific limits on what can be taken.
What This Bill Does
It requires council approval for the authority to use eminent domain and requires a council-approved resolution declaring the property acquisition is in the public interest and for public use. It allows the authority to exercise eminent domain under Title 18. It also imposes restrictions: property already devoted to public use can be acquired; but property belonging to cities within the authority’s boundaries or to any government cannot be taken without consent, and property belonging to a public utility requires approval from the Public Service Commission or other regulator.

Who It Affects
Municipal public housing authorities, who gain the power to use eminent domain but only with municipal council approval and within stated limits.
Property owners within the authority's area—particularly cities and governments, and public utility companies—who are protected from being targeted without consent or regulator approval.

Key Provisions
The authority may acquire by eminent domain any property necessary to carry out its purposes, with approval from the municipal council and after a resolution declaring public interest and public use.
The eminent domain power is exercised under the procedures of Title 18.
Property already devoted to public use may be acquired.
No property belonging to a city within the authority's boundaries or to any government may be acquired without its consent; no property belonging to a public utility may be acquired without approval of the Public Service Commission or equivalent regulator.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Housing Authorities