HB484 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul DeMarco

Republican

Co-Sponsors

David StandridgeRandall SheddDickie Drake

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Water works boards, serving counties other than co., where organized, additional board members, term, compensation, coverage by Ethics Law, notice and hearing regarding rate increases, subject to the Alabama Open Meetings Act

Summary

HB484 would impose new rules on municipal water boards serving four or more counties, including term limits, a pay cap, ethics rules, and more transparent rate increases and meetings.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill applies to eligible municipal water boards and limits board members to two full terms. New appointees after the act would serve four-year terms, while current members finish their terms and vacancies are filled to complete the term. It requires board members and staff to follow the State Ethics Law and restricts compensation to no more than $500 per month. It also requires a 30-day notice and a public hearing before any rate increase is adopted, and it subjects the board to the Alabama Open Meetings Act; it repeals conflicting laws.

Who It Affects

• Municipal water works boards that serve water customers in four or more counties beyond the principal county, who would be subject to term limits, pay caps, ethics rules, rate-change procedures, and open-meeting requirements.
• Board members and board employees of those water boards, who would be governed by the State Ethics Law, face the $500 per month compensation/expense cap, and must follow rate-change notice/hearing requirements and open-meetings rules.

Key Provisions

• Applies to municipal water works boards serving four or more counties beyond the principal county.
• Board term limits: new appointees serve four-year terms; current members complete their terms; vacancies filled to complete the term; all members may serve at most two full terms.
• Compensation cap: no board member may receive more than $500 per month in compensation or expense allowances.
• Ethics: all board members and board employees are subject to the State Ethics Law.
• Rate increases: no rate increase may be adopted without at least 30 days' notice and a public hearing prior to the vote.
• Open Meetings: the board is subject to the Alabama Open Meetings Act.
• Repeals: any conflicting laws are repealed.
• Effective date: immediately after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Water and Sewer Systems