SB385 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Andrew JonesSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Etowah Co., tourism board, membership revised and board to perform studies relating to and provide, if feasible, for mega sports complex, Etowah Co. Mega Sports Complex Authority repealed, Sec. 45-28-91.06 added; Sec. 45-28-220.03 repealed; Secs. 45-28-91.01, 45-28-91.02, 45-28-91.05, 45-28-243.02, 45-28-244.01 am'd.
Summary: SB 385 shifts control of Etowah County's planned mega sports complex from the Mega Sports Complex Authority to the Etowah County Tourism Board, reallocates funding to support tourism efforts, and dissolves the old authority with a transfer of assets and liabilities.
What This Bill Does
The bill transfers the feasibility study and oversight of the mega sports complex from the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority to the Etowah County Tourism Board. It reallocates lodging and certain sales tax proceeds to the Tourism Board to carry out tourism-related purposes and the mega sports complex project, and adds a process to transfer all assets and liabilities from the Authority to the Tourism Board, followed by the Authority's dissolution. It repeals the existing membership provisions of the Authority and creates a new Tourism Board with defined membership, powers (including borrowing and contracts), and a requirement to hire a full-time tourism director. It also preserves a staged funding plan with specific triggers, including potential reductions to other local recipients and a requirement that progress be made within a three-year window, or funds revert to the Tourism Board.

Who It Affects
Etowah County residents, visitors, hotels, and local businesses involved in tourism and sports facilities, who would see the Tourism Board oversee tourism promotion, feasibility studies, and the potential mega sports complex, with changes to how tourism-related taxes are used.
Local government and organizations that receive county tax distributions (schools, libraries, fire departments, sheriff, district attorney, drug enforcement, and other public safety or community programs), whose funding allocations could be altered as lodging and sales tax funds are redirected to the Tourism Board and the mega sports complex project, including potential reductions and reallocation over time.

Key Provisions
Transfer of feasibility study authority and oversight for the mega sports complex from the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority to the Etowah County Tourism Board; the board can appoint a committee and study location, cost, funding, and other factors.
Reorganization of the Etowah County Tourism Board to include specific appointment bodies (legislative delegation members, a senator, a county commissioner, a mayor, a local mayor's association member, and chamber/hospitality industry representatives) and a two four-year term structure with the ability to hire a tourism director and staff.
Transfer and dissolution: within 18 months, transfer all assets and liabilities of the Mega Sports Complex Authority to the Tourism Board, with the Authority dissolved after the transfer and under the board's control during wind-down; repeals Section 45-28-220.03 governing the Authority.
Tax distribution changes: portions of lodging and county sales taxes are directed to the Etowah County Tourism Board to fund tourism activities and the mega sports complex project, with specific timing (lodging tax distributions beginning in 2016 and 2019) and conditions, including provisions for reversion if the project is not pursued or completed.
Funding allocations and adjustments: the act alters the way certain tax proceeds are distributed (including a provision for a public school and library funding mix and potential nine percent reductions to certain recipients starting after 2015, with reallocation to law enforcement and related needs).
Progress trigger: if substantial progress toward the mega sports complex is not achieved within three years from the relevant baseline date, the portion of funds allocated to the project may revert to the Etowah County Tourism Board.

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