SJR79 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Priscilla DunnCam WardRoger Bedford, Jr.

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Birmingham, establishing the Greater Birmingham Drinking Water Commission

Summary

SJR79 would establish the Greater Birmingham Drinking Water Commission to study the region's drinking water and report its findings.

What This Bill Does

It creates a new commission with specified members from the legislature, state agencies, the city of Birmingham, and local groups to review water supply quality and availability. It must hold at least 10 public forums and deliver a report with recommendations by January 1, 2015, after which the commission dissolves. Members can be reimbursed for expenses, with a cap on funds used from legislative appropriations.

Who It Affects

• Residents and businesses in the Greater Birmingham area, whose health and economic prospects related to drinking water will be studied and potentially improved through this effort.
• State and local government and affiliated organizations involved in water management and policy (e.g., Alabama Department of Environmental Management, ADECA, Surface Mining Commission, Geologic Survey of Alabama, the City of Birmingham, Birmingham Water Works Board, Birmingham Chamber groups, and the Birmingham Citizens Advisory Board), who participate in the commission and may implement its recommendations.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Greater Birmingham Drinking Water Commission with a mix of legislators, agency heads, city officials, and local stakeholders as members and co-chairs.
• Requires the commission to assess current and future health and economic effects of drinking water and to hold at least 10 public forums before January 1, 2015.
• Requires a final report with findings 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 submitting the report.
• Provides expense reimbursement for members (including mileage) with a funding cap of $5,000 from funds appropriated to the Legislature; legislators receive regular pay and travel expenses.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative