SB177 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Schools, special school tax elections, procedures, certain elections to be held in conjunction with general or primary elections, payment of costs, Secs. 16-13-160 to 16-13-162, inclusive, 16-13-164, 16-13-180, 16-13-183 to 16-13-185, inclusive, am'd.; Secs. 16-13-181, 16-13-186 repealed

Summary

SB177 changes how special school tax elections are requested and who pays for them, adding procedures and requiring school boards to cover election costs.

What This Bill Does

It requires citizens or the county/municipal school boards to follow specific procedures to request a special school tax election, including time frames for scheduling with primary or general elections or as a stand-alone election. It shifts the cost burden to the school boards, with rules for reimbursement when elections are held with regular elections and a requirement that the board pay all costs for a stand-alone special election. It sets timing restrictions and safeguards to avoid conflicts with other elections and to ensure lead time, and it requires clear notice and ballot wording. It amends and repeals several existing sections to implement these changes.

Who It Affects

• County and municipal boards of education and county commissions, who must follow new procedures, determine election dates, and bear or reimburse election costs.
• Voters and residents in affected counties/districts, who may petition to initiate a special school tax election and must comply with new timing, notice, and process rules.

Key Provisions

• A petition signed by 200 or more qualified electors triggers an election for a special school tax, with the county commission ordered to hold it.
• If the petition is received at least 45 days before a primary or general election, the election must be held in conjunction with that election; runoff elections require the school board’s agreement to cover costs.
• The school board must provide a resolution agreeing to cover all costs within 30 days of invoice; the election date must be at least 90 days after the resolution and cannot be during the 45 days before a primary or 45 days after the following general election; the county can set a nearby alternative date if needed.
• Election dates are set by the county within 30 days of the request, with provisions for delaying and rescheduling as needed; notices and publication requirements outline the rate, duration, purpose, and boundaries of the tax district.
• Costs: if held with regular elections, the state reimburses some expenses and the board of education reimburses the county for additional costs; if held as a stand-alone special election, the board of education must reimburse the county within 30 days and may use available revenues to cover costs.
• The act amends multiple sections (16-13-160 to 16-13-162, 16-13-164, 16-13-180, 16-13-183 to 16-13-185) and repeals sections 16-13-181 and 16-13-186.

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

Subjects

Education