HJR191 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Chris EnglandMerika ColemanMary Sue McClurkinJohn W. RogersLawrence McAdory

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Birmingham, establishing Greater Birmingham Drinking Water Commission

Summary

HJR191 creates the Greater Birmingham Drinking Water Commission to study the region's drinking water quality and quantity and report its findings before dissolving.

What This Bill Does

It creates an 11-member commission drawn from state lawmakers, state agencies, the Birmingham mayor, and local community representatives to study water sources. The commission will assess current and future health and economic effects linked to drinking water and will hold at least 10 public forums to share findings. It must deliver a report with recommendations to the Governor, the Senate President Pro Tempore, and the Speaker of the House by January 1, 2015, with copies to all legislators and the Secretary of State, after which the commission dissolves. Members may receive daily expense allowances and mileage, and legislators receive per diem and travel pay, with a $5,000 cap on payments from legislative funds.

Who It Affects

• Residents of Greater Birmingham, who would be informed about water quality/quantity issues through the commission's work and public forums.
• The City of Birmingham and the Birmingham Water Works Board, which are represented on the commission and participate in evaluating water sources.
• State agencies involved (Environment, Economic and Community Affairs, Surface Mining, Geologic Survey) and their staff, who contribute expertise and coordinate actions.
• Members of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Birmingham Citizens Advisory Board, and the local business community who have a voice in the study and its recommendations.
• Public health professionals with relevant qualifications who may provide input on environmental health and toxicology during the study.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Greater Birmingham Drinking Water Commission with specified members from state government, local government, and community groups.
• Designates co-chairs: one from the Senate and one from the House, each appointed by their respective presiding officers.
• Outlines duties to assess water supply quantity and quality and to communicate findings through at least 10 public forums before January 1, 2015.
• Requires a final report and recommendations to the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and Speaker of the House by January 1, 2015, with copies to all legislators and the Secretary of State; the commission dissolves after delivering the report.
• Specifies compensation: members receive daily expense allowances and mileage; legislators receive regular compensation and travel allowances; total payments not to exceed $5,000 from legislative funds.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative