SJR100 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Auburn Aquarium and Zoo Feasibility Study Committee, created

Summary

A Senate joint resolution creates a study committee to evaluate the feasibility of an Auburn Aquarium and Zoo and report back to the Legislature.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Auburn Aquarium and Zoo Feasibility Study Committee and defines its members. The committee will study all aspects of establishing the aquarium and zoo in Auburn, including community interest, economic impact, location, construction cost and ownership, and related issues, and it will elect a chair and vice chair. It must report its findings by the 15th legislative day of the 2018 Regular Session and then be dissolved; non-legislative members serve without pay (but may be reimbursed) and legislative members receive compensation and per diem per constitutional rules.

Who It Affects

• Local government and appointed officials in Lee County and Auburn (Lee County delegation, mayors of Auburn and Opelika, a Lee County Commission member, and a Chamber of Commerce appointee) who will serve on the committee and coordinate appointments.
• Residents and business community of Auburn/Lee County who may be affected by the study's findings on the potential economic impact, location, and ownership of an aquarium and zoo.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Auburn Aquarium and Zoo Feasibility Study Committee.
• Committee composition includes: all Lee County legislative delegation members; the mayor of Auburn and the mayor of Opelika (or their designees); a member from the Auburn Chamber of Commerce; a Lee County Commission member; and a member with zoo or aquarium experience.
• Appointments must be coordinated to ensure diversity by race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economic background.
• The chair and vice chair are elected at the first meeting.
• The committee will study all facets of establishing an aquarium and a zoo in Auburn, including community interest, economic impact, location, construction cost and ownership, and other related issues.
• Clerical support may be provided by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House on request.
• The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the fifteenth legislative day of the 2018 Regular Session and then be dissolved.
• Non-legislative members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses; legislative members receive compensation, per diem, and travel expenses for meeting days.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative