SB486 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Public safety, local emergency management officials authorized to designate certain buildings as shelters for protection from severe weather events, immunity from liability to owners of buildings

Summary

The bill would let local emergency management officials designate public or private buildings as shelters during severe weather and shield shelter owners from liability.

What This Bill Does

Local emergency management officials could designate buildings as shelters. Designated shelters must be certified by a state-licensed professional engineer, have emergency power, and include adequate ventilation and first aid equipment. Owners who license their property for shelter use would not be civilly liable for deaths, injuries, or property damage that occur in connection with the shelter's use. The act becomes law a few months after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Building owners (public or private) who license their property to be used as shelters would gain immunity from civil liability for incidents occurring during shelter use.
• Local emergency management officials would gain authority to designate shelters and set the required safety standards.

Key Provisions

• Local officials may designate public or private buildings as shelters for residents during weather events.
• Shelters must be certified by a state-licensed professional engineer, have emergency power, and provide adequate ventilation and first aid equipment.
• Owners who license their property for shelter use are granted immunity from civil liability for injuries, deaths, or property damage related to the shelter use.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Public Safety