HB600 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Johnny Mack Morrow
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Franklin Co., Water Coordinating and Fire Prevention Authority, services expanded to include sewage and broadband services, const. amend.
Summary: HB600 would amend Alabama's Constitution to let Franklin County's Water Coordinating and Fire Prevention Authority provide sewer and broadband services (and related powers) within the county and possibly to nearby counties.
What This Bill Does
The amendment would authorize the Franklin County Water Coordinating and Fire Prevention Authority to operate as a public utility that can provide water, sewer, and broadband services. It allows the authority to set and collect rates and fees, impose penalties for nonpayment, and place liens on property. It also grants the authority powers to condemn private property for public use, to borrow money and issue bonds (with Franklin County not responsible for the debt), and to extend its service area into other counties while providing fire protection facilities or services.

Who It Affects
Residents and businesses in Franklin County (and any future expanded areas) who would receive sewer and broadband services and pay the associated rates, fees, penalties, and potential liens.
Property owners within the authority's service areas who could face charges and liens for nonpayment, and could be affected by eminent domain authority and the possibility of debt financing by the authority (with no county debt responsibility).

Key Provisions
Proposes amending Amendment 518 to authorize the creation and operation of a Franklin County Water Coordinating and Fire Prevention Authority to provide water, sewer, and broadband services.
Authorizes the authority to fix and collect rates, fees, charges, penalties for nonpayment, and liens on property within the service area.
Grants the authority the power of eminent domain for public use and the ability to borrow money and issue bonds or other obligations, with Franklin County not liable for those debts and not limited by the county's debt cap.
Allows extension of the service area into one or more other counties and authorizes fire protection facilities or services.
Makes any 1988 special-session laws enabling such authority effective upon ratification of the amendment.
Calls for an election to vote on the proposed amendment, with specific ballot language provided.

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