SB295 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bill Holtzclaw
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Madison Co., noise ordinances outside municipality, co. commission authorized to enact criminal penalties
Summary: SB 295 would amend the Alabama Constitution to let Madison County regulate noise in the unincorporated areas outside cities, with possible criminal penalties, pending voter approval.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the amendment would allow the Madison County Commission to adopt and enforce ordinances or resolutions to limit noise and regulate related public nuisances in the unincorporated areas of the county. Violations could carry criminal penalties up to a Class C misdemeanor. Noise from ordinary business activities of manufacturing or farming facilities would not be restricted by these ordinances. The amendment would require an election to approve the change.

Who It Affects
Residents and property owners in Madison County's unincorporated areas, who could experience noise restrictions and improved health and safety conditions.
Businesses and farms operating in unincorporated areas, who may be subject to noise limits except for ordinary manufacturing or farming noise.
Madison County Commission and law enforcement, who would gain authority to create and enforce these noise-related ordinances.

Key Provisions
Applies only to portions of Madison County outside the corporate limits of any municipality.
Authorizes the County Commission to adopt, amend, and enforce ordinances or resolutions to prohibit excessive noise and regulate noise levels and related public nuisances.
Provides for criminal penalties for violations, up to the penalties for a Class C misdemeanor.
Excludes noise produced in the ordinary course of business by industrial manufacturing or farming facilities or activities from being restricted.
Ordinances would be enforceable in courts of competent jurisdiction within the county.
An election must be held to approve the constitutional amendment, with ballot language describing the measure.

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