HB206 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Apr 26, 2021

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kelvin LawrenceRepresentative
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Lowndes Co., co. commission, authorized to require properties to connect to public sanitary sewerage systems where available or private disposal systems
Summary: Lowndes County can force property owners in unincorporated areas to connect to a public sewer when available or to an approved private disposal system, and can place a lien to recover the costs if they don’t comply.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes the Lowndes County Commission to require connections to any available public sewer within 90 days after notice. If no public sewer exists, the county can require connections to private disposal systems that meet State Board of Health rules. If a property owner does not connect after reasonable notice, the county may perform the connection and charge the cost to the property as a lien, which is recorded and has priority over other liens; enforcement can be pursued in the Circuit Court. The act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
Property owners in the unincorporated areas of Lowndes County, who must connect to public sewer or to an approved private disposal system and may face a lien on their property if they fail to comply.
Lowndes County government (the county commission and county health department), which is responsible for issuing notices, enforcing connections, performing connections if needed, and handling liens and related records.

Key Provisions
May compel connection to any available public sewer within 90 days after official notice.
If no public sewer is available, may compel connection to private disposal systems conforming to State Board of Health rules.
Notice must cite authority, include a contact person, and be signed by a county official.
If the owner fails to connect, the county may perform the connection and place the cost as a lien on the property, superior to other liens.
A written statement detailing owner, property, and cost must be filed with the probate judge and recorded in mortgage records, serving as notice of the lien.
Enforcement may be pursued in the Circuit Court of Lowndes County via injunction or other remedies.
Effective immediately following the 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: Water and Sewer Systems