SB359 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Jefferson Co., Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, boundaries of authority to operate civic center, altered, Sec. 45-37-90.05 am'd.

Summary

SB359 amends the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority's boundaries to authorize its operation within a revised area of Jefferson County.

What This Bill Does

It changes the geographic area where the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority can construct, maintain, control, operate, and manage a civic center. It describes the kinds of facilities and activities the authority may provide, including offices, parks, theaters, convention spaces, hotels, and other cultural and civic amenities. It lists the authority's powers, funding sources, and rules for development and property transfers, including requirements for benefit to the public and fair market value when selling to non-government entities. It requires resolutions by the county and the county seat to extend the boundary and sets oversight rules for funding and property conveyance.

Who It Affects

• Jefferson County residents and the Birmingham-Jefferson area, who may experience changes in the civic center's boundaries and how taxes and fees support public facilities.
• The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, which gains authority over a revised geographic area and expanded powers to build, own, operate, and manage civic facilities.
• County and municipal governments within Jefferson County, which must approve boundary extensions and decide on property transfers and funding to the authority, with the condition that such actions benefit the public.

Key Provisions

• The boundary for the civic center authority is amended to the described area in the county seat (new geographic boundaries are specified in the act).
• Extending the boundary requires resolutions by the Jefferson County governing body and by the county seat's governing body.
• The authority is authorized to construct, maintain, own, operate, and manage facilities for public meetings, athletic contests, concerts, theaters, trade shows, exhibitions, and other events that contribute to cultural or educational development.
• Facilities may include offices, parking, streets, parks, monuments, community centers, arenas, convention halls, convention sites, hotels or motels, restaurants, meeting rooms, and museums.
• The authority has powers to sue and be sued, acquire property, appoint staff, bylaws, contracts, sponsorship of programs, admission charges, and lease or sublease property as needed.
• The authority can purchase or lease real property and easements, and accept gifts or bequests.
• The authority may sell, convey, lease, mortgage, or otherwise deal with its property, with fair market value when transferring to a non-government entity, considering any development plan restrictions.
• The authority may invest idle funds in securities or deposits permitted for public funds by law.
• Public funds and fees can be used to fund the authority; counties and municipalities may contribute property or funds only if it benefits the public.
• The act does not limit other municipalities from operating similar facilities or affect existing municipal facilities.
• The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and governor's 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

Jefferson County