HB73 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bob FincherRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Randolph Co., Industrial Development Council estab., membs., terms, duties, funding, distrib of tobacco tax
Summary: HB73 creates the Randolph County Industrial Development Council to lead economic development in Randolph County, defining its membership, powers, funding, and transition from the old council funded by tobacco tax.
What This Bill Does
The bill establishes the Randolph County Industrial Development Council with appointed members from county districts and municipalities, sets initial and successor terms, and requires annual leadership elections and regular meetings. It gives the council broad development powers, including tax abatements, bond issuance, and ownership or disposition of property to promote jobs and commerce. It provides funding mechanisms from local governments and the state, and requires transferring funds from the old council and tobacco tax distributions to the new council for its purposes. It also sets employment terms for staff (no member compensation, expense reimbursement, retirement/health benefits availability) and declares the act effective immediately upon governor approval.

Who It Affects
Randolph County residents and taxpayers: potential impact from the council’s tax abatements, bond activities, and development projects aimed at spurring job creation and economic growth.
Randolph County governments (county commission and municipalities) and local developers/businesses: they appoint council members, provide funding, and participate in planning and implementing countywide economic development efforts.

Key Provisions
Creates the Randolph County Industrial Development Council with appointment rules from districts 1-5, municipalities, and a state legislative delegation consensus, plus four-year terms and residency requirements.
Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses; no member may be paid by or contracted with the council; members have personal liability immunity.
Council has authority to negotiate for the county on industrial and economic development and may use powers such as tax abatements, issuing bonds, and acquiring, improving, leasing, or disposing of property to promote jobs and commerce.
HQ located in Randolph County; annual elections of chair, vice-chair, secretary, and treasurer; may adopt bylaws; quarterly meetings required.
Staff may participate in the Employees' Retirement System and health plans; employees may purchase prior service credit and access county health benefits.
Funding may come from city, county, or Legislature appropriations; funds from the old council and tobacco tax distributions are redirected to pay old indebtedness and then used by the new council for its purposes.
Effective immediately upon governor’s signature.

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