HB159 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes Long

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

State parks, moneys received by and generated by, transfer to another account or public entity prohibited, const. amend.

Summary

HB159 would amend Alabama's Constitution to prevent diverting funds designated for state parks or generated by the parks from other uses, requiring those funds to be used only for park support, upkeep, and maintenance.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the amendment would prohibit the state, its officers, agencies, and employees from transferring, using, or pledging any monies designated by law for the state parks system, or any monies generated by the parks, to another public account or entity. These funds could not be used for any purpose other than supporting, maintaining, and operating the state parks system. This applies to funds already designated and to revenues from park fees or charges. An election would be held to approve or reject the amendment under Alabama's existing constitutional election rules.

Who It Affects

• State government (officers, agencies, and employees) would be barred from diverting park funds to non-park uses.
• The state parks system and its finances would be protected, ensuring funds stay with the parks for their upkeep and maintenance.
• Alabama voters would decide in a statewide election whether to adopt the amendment.
• Park users and taxpayers could benefit from more stable, dedicated funding for park maintenance and operations.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Prohibits transferring, using, or pledging any monies designated by law for the state parks system or any monies generated by the state parks, deposited into public accounts, to be used for any purpose other than the support, upkeep, and maintenance of the state parks system.
• Section 2: Requires a statewide election to adopt the amendment, following constitutional Sections 284 and 285 and the state's election laws.
• Section 3: Requires the ballot language to describe the amendment and present Yes/No options for voters.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments