HB497 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Randall Shedd
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Cullman Co., to provide for civil immunity for members of Joppa Historical Board, board may transfer property only under certain conditions, including referendum, Sec. 45-22-223 am'd.
Summary: HB497 gives civil liability immunity to Joppa Historical Board members and requires a public referendum before selling or transferring the former Joppa School property, while clarifying ownership and management of the property.
What This Bill Does
This bill creates the Joppa Historical Board in Cullman County to own, operate, and preserve the former Joppa School property for public use. It allows the board to accept title to the property, hold it for public use, and receive funding and donations. It also provides that board members are immune from civil liability for actions taken in their duties, to the extent allowed by law, and it requires a board vote followed by a majority vote of the qualified electors in Joppa at a referendum before any sale or transfer of the property can occur; the board may reorganize into another legal form with unanimous consent. The act becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Residents of the unincorporated community of Joppa, who would have the final say on any sale or transfer of the former Joppa School property through a referendum.
Members of the Joppa Historical Board (and related Cullman County educational and county entities), who gain authority to own, manage, and potentially receive funding for the property, and who receive civil liability immunity for actions taken in performing their duties.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Joppa Historical Board with five members appointed by the Cullman County legislative delegation for four-year terms, to own, operate, manage, and preserve the former Joppa School property and related structures.
Board members are immune from civil liability for actions taken in the conduct of their duties to the extent allowed under Section 36-1-12.
The board may accept title to the former Joppa School property and may hold it for the public's benefit, and may receive state, local, and other governmental funding and charitable donations.
The board may not sell or transfer ownership of the property unless approved by a majority vote of the board and then by a majority vote of the qualified electors in the unincorporated community of Joppa at a referendum called by the judge of probate and held during the following general election.
The board may reorganize as an unincorporated nonprofit association or other entity by unanimous consent of the board.
The act becomes effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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