HB471 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul W. LeeRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Houston Co., probate judge shall collect a tag transaction fee, distrib. for emergency medical services, referendum
Summary: HB471 would impose a $5 tag transaction fee in Houston County for motor vehicle tag issuance/renewal, with the proceeds funding emergency medical services, contingent on a countywide referendum.
What This Bill Does
It creates a $5 fee on each motor vehicle tag issued or renewed in Houston County (transfers and replacements not taxed; utility trailers are excluded). Three percent of the money stays with the probate judge to run the office; the rest goes to the Houston County Commission to distribute to the Houston County EMS Association and the Dothan Fire Department, EMS Division for EMS services. Funds must be used only for EMS-related expenses (salaries, equipment, training, etc.) and cannot be used for building or maintaining facilities; the county may contract with private EMS if the majority votes to do so. The fee takes effect only if a majority of voters approve in the 2020 general election, and if approved, becomes operative January 1 after approval.

Who It Affects
Houston County residents who own vehicles will pay an added $5 fee each time they obtain or renew a vehicle tag.
Emergency medical service providers and related agencies (EMS Association, EMS transport providers, and Dothan Fire Department, EMS Division) receive funding to support EMS operations and equipment.

Key Provisions
Imposes a $5 tag transaction fee for each motor vehicle tag issued or renewed in Houston County; excludes tag transfers, replacements, and utility trailers; fee is in addition to other fees.
Three percent of the proceeds are retained by the Houston County Probate Judge's Office for its operations.
The remaining proceeds are distributed by the Houston County Commission to the Houston County EMS Association and the Dothan Fire Department, EMS Division for emergency medical services and related needs (salaries, equipment, training, etc.).
Funds must be used solely for emergency medical services and cannot be used for construction or maintenance of facilities; the county may contract with private EMS if a majority vote approves.
The act becomes operative only if a majority of qualified electors voting in the 2020 general election approve; if approved, it becomes operative January 1 following approval; if not approved, the act is repealed.
Section 3 states the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval, or otherwise becoming law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Houston County