SB467 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Roger Bedford, Jr.
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: SB467 would amend the Alabama Constitution to let Franklin County's Water Coordinating and Fire Prevention Authority provide sewer and broadband services in the county, expanding its powers to include water and fire protection.
What This Bill Does
If approved, the amendment would authorize the Franklin County authority to operate as a public utility provider offering water, sewer, and broadband services and fire protection. It would allow the authority to set and collect rates, fees, and charges, and to impose penalties and liens for nonpayment. It would also grant powers of eminent domain, allow borrowing and bond issuance with no financial obligation borne by the county, let the service area extend to other counties, and require an election process to ratify the amendment.

Who It Affects
Franklin County residents and businesses who could receive sewer and broadband services and would be subject to rates, fees, penalties, and potential liens for nonpayment.
The Franklin County Water Coordinating and Fire Prevention Authority and potential lenders/investors who would have new powers to borrow money, issue bonds, and manage financing (with the county not liable for those debts).

Key Provisions
Authorizes creation and operation of the Franklin County Water Coordinating and Fire Prevention Authority as a public corporation to provide water, sewer, broadband Internet, and fire protection services in Franklin County.
Allows the authority to fix and collect rates, fees, and charges, and to impose penalties and liens for nonpayment.
Grants eminent domain powers for public use related to the authority's functions.
Authorizes borrowing and issuing bonds/obligations by the authority, with Franklin County not liable and such debts not counted against the county's debt limit.
Permits extending the service area into one or more other counties and authorizes fire protection facilities or services.
States that any 1988 special-session law authorizing creation would become effective upon ratification, and requires an election to ratify the amendment under applicable constitutional provisions.

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