SB385 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Trip Pittman

Republican

Co-Sponsor

George M. “Marc” Keahey

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Baldwin Co., economic development, counties and municipalities authorized to purchase, sell, or lease property, appraisal required prior to transaction, Amendment 750 (Section 5, Baldwin County, Local Amendments, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended), am'd., const. amend.

Summary

A proposed Baldwin County local constitutional amendment would require an appraisal before any land deal under Amendment 750 and expand the county's economic development powers.

What This Bill Does

If approved, Baldwin County and its municipalities could use public funds and land to develop industrial sites and related facilities, including leasing or selling land and supporting development. Before any land purchase, lease, acquisition, or sale under this amendment, the land or any interest in it must be appraised by a licensed state real estate appraiser. The process would require seven days' public notice and a public meeting with a resolution showing the expenditure serves a public purpose. Fair market-value sales would not count as lending or public financial support to private entities, and the amendment would validate existing economic development boards and authorities.

Who It Affects

• Baldwin County government (Baldwin County Commission) and the municipalities within Baldwin County, who would gain expanded economic development powers and must follow appraisal/notice requirements.
• Private businesses and developers seeking land deals or public financing in Baldwin County, who could receive public funds or support under the amendment but would be subject to appraisal and disclosure requirements.

Key Provisions

• Appraisal requirement before land transactions: prior to any purchase, lease, or acquisition of land, or any sale, lease, or other conveyance of land under Amendment No. 750, the land or any interest in the land must be appraised by a real estate appraiser licensed in this state.
• Public-funding/credit safeguards: before Baldwin County or a municipality can lend credit or grant public funds or things of value for economic development, (i) the land must be appraised with a copy available at least seven days prior to consideration; (ii) the action must be at a public meeting with a resolution showing the expenditure serves a public purpose; and (iii) at least seven days’ notice must be published describing the action and identifying the recipients.

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

Subjects

Baldwin County