SB178 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald O. DialTom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Alabama Department of Environmental Management, civil immunity to water suppliers who are in compliance or receive an exemption from ADEM, Sec. 22-23-35.1 added

Summary

SB178 would shield water suppliers from civil lawsuits if they are in compliance with ADEM regulations or have an approved exemption.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new law that grants civil immunity to a water supplier and its officers, directors, and employees when the board finds they are in compliance with ADEM regulations or have a board-approved variance, exception, or consent decree/order. The immunity covers lawsuits claiming injuries due to the water's quality, chemistry, or physical make-up. The bill also states that this immunity does not weaken ADEM's enforcement authority. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Water suppliers and their officers, directors, and employees: gain immunity from civil lawsuits for injuries claimed due to water quality if they are in compliance with ADEM regulations or operating under a board-approved variance/exception or consent decree/order.
• People or property owners who might sue over water quality: could lose the ability to file civil suits against the affected water suppliers when the immunity applies.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 22-23-35.1 to provide civil immunity to water suppliers and their leadership and staff who are in compliance with or under an approved variance/exception/consent decree from ADEM.
• Immunity applies to civil suits for injuries to person or property caused by the water's quality, purity, chemistry, or physical make-up.
• The immunity does not impair ADEM's enforcement authority under the relevant environmental laws.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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

Alabama Department of Environmental Management