SB345 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Roger Bedford, Jr.

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Community development districts, sale of alcoholic beverages in dry counties, definition of expanded, Sec. 35-8B-1 am'd.

Summary

The bill expands Alabama’s definition of a community development district to include private resort developments with freestanding cabins, potentially allowing alcohol sales within those districts in dry counties.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new category to allow private resort developments with freestanding cabins to qualify as a community development district. It sets detailed criteria for such districts, including minimum land area, lake frontage, lodge size, and various guest amenities, plus required on-site management and non-discrimination policies. It specifies that alcohol sales may be authorized in districts defined under these provisions and that certain alcohol-related restrictions would not apply there. The act would take effect immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Private resort developers and unit owners in dry counties who want to form or participate in a community development district under the new definition.
• Residents, members, and guests of social clubs and resort amenities within these districts (e.g., golf courses, marinas, lodges) who may gain access to district facilities and potentially on-site alcohol sales.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 35-8B-1 to add a new category: a private resort development that operates freestanding cabins as an eligible community development district.
• Defines the new subsection (e) with specific criteria: at least 400 contiguous acres, ownership structure, location in a dry county with wet municipalities nearby, a lodge >7,000 square feet with facilities and a restaurant, guest amenities (marina, horses, skeet range, sports facilities, supervised hunting), non-discrimination policies, and on-site management.
• Authorizes on-premises sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within a district defined under this subsection and exempts it from Section 35-8B-3 restrictions.
• States that the act becomes effective immediately upon the 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

Community Development Districts