HB499 Alabama 2020 Session

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

HB499 would create a $5 tag transaction fee in Houston County to fund emergency medical services, contingent on a countywide referendum.

What This Bill Does

It would impose a $5 fee on each motor vehicle tag issued or renewed in Houston County (excluding utility trailers; transfers and replacements are not charged). 3% of the fees would stay with the Houston County Probate Judge for office operations, and the remaining funds would be distributed by the county to the EMS Association and the Dothan Fire Department EMS Division to support emergency medical services. Funds would be used only for EMS-related purposes (salaries, equipment, supplies, training, etc.) and could not be used for building construction or maintenance; the county could contract with private EMS services if a majority vote approves. The act would take effect only if approved by a majority of Houston County voters in the 2020 general election, and if approved, would become operative January 1 after the election.

Who It Affects

• Houston County residents who own or renew motor vehicle tags would pay the $5 fee per tag.
• Emergency medical services providers and related agencies in Houston County (the EMS Association and the Dothan Fire Department EMS Division), plus the Houston County Probate Judge’s Office, which would receive and use portions of the funds for EMS operations and probate office costs.

Key Provisions

• Imposes a $5 tag transaction fee on each motor vehicle tag issued or renewed in Houston County, excluding utility trailers, and not applicable to tag transfers or replacements.
• 3% of the proceeds go to the Houston County Probate Judge’s Office for its operations; the remaining funds go to the Houston County Commission to distribute to the EMS Association and the Dothan Fire Department EMS Division for EMS services.
• Funds must be used solely for emergency medical services (salaries, equipment, supplies, training, or related costs) and cannot be used for construction or maintenance of facilities.
• The county may allocate a portion of the funds to contract with private EMS services if a majority vote approves.
• The act becomes operative only if a majority of Houston County voters approve it in the 2020 general election; if approved, it becomes January 1 following approval; if not approved, it is repealed.
• Section 3 states the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after governor’s approval (or when it becomes law by other means).

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