SB384 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Shadrack McGillDick BrewbakerPaul BussmanBill HoltzclawPhillip W. WilliamsClay ScofieldGerald O. DialBryan TaylorJerry L. FieldingGreg J. ReedJimmy HolleyCam WardGerald H. AllenJ.T. WaggonerTrip PittmanPaul SanfordRusty GloverQuinton RossRoger Bedford, Jr.Scott BeasonMark Slade Blackwell

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Real property, state, county, municipality, and any other governmental entity appraisal obtained, purchase price must not be more than appraisal

Summary

SB384 requires government entities in Alabama to obtain an appraisal before buying real property and to keep purchase prices from exceeding that appraisal, with strict procedures if an offer is above the appraisal value or if condemnation is pursued.

What This Bill Does

Before purchase, the property must be appraised by a certified general real property appraiser, and the owner or their representative may accompany the inspection. The appraisal and related documents are initially non-public and become public only after certain events occur, such as a final offer being accepted at or below the appraisal, or if the government decides to make an offer above the appraisal following the act’s procedures, or if it decides not to pursue the purchase. If the government offers more than the appraisal value, it must hold a recorded vote at a meeting with at least three days’ notice, post the fair market value at least three days before the vote, and hold a public hearing. If condemnation is pursued after the appraisal, the appraisal becomes public and is provided to the property owner; the government may purchase at FMV plus the costs that would have been required to acquire the property by eminent domain; and the appraisal becomes public 30 days after acquisition or termination of negotiations.

Who It Affects

• Government entities (state, counties, municipalities, and other governmental bodies) would be required to obtain an appraisal before purchasing property and follow voting, notice, and public hearing requirements if the offer would exceed the appraisal value.
• Property owners and potential sellers would be affected by the appraisal process, rights to accompany the appraiser, and the temporary or eventual public release of appraisal information if condemnation or eminent-domain actions occur.

Key Provisions

• Before purchase, the property must be appraised by a certified general real property appraiser; the owner or their representative may accompany the appraiser during inspection.
• The appraisal and related documents are initially non-public and release occurs only after specific events, such as a final offer equal to or less than the appraisal value, or after following the act’s procedures to offer above the appraisal value, or a decision not to pursue the purchase.
• If a proposed purchase price exceeds the appraisal value, a recorded vote must be held at a regular or specially called meeting with at least three days’ notice, the fair market value must be posted at least three days before the vote, and a public hearing must be held.
• If condemnation/easement or eminent domain is pursued after the appraisal, the appraisal becomes a public record and is provided to the property owner.
• The governmental entity may buy the property at the appraised FMV plus the additional costs that would have been required to acquire the property by eminent domain.
• The appraisal becomes a public record 30 days after acquisition or termination of negotiations.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs, or otherwise becomes law.

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

Subjects

Property, Real and Personal