SB193 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim McClendon
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Calhoun Co., license commissioner, motor vehicle registration and renewals, add'l fee, distribution for operation of office, Act 2017-265, 2017 Reg. Sess., am'd.
Summary: SB193 amends Act 2017-265 to create and regulate the Davis Lake Volunteer Fire District in St. Clair County, including a fire protection service fee up to $150 and new governance, funding, and accountability rules for district operations.
What This Bill Does
Defines the Davis Lake district and its fire protection service charge (maximum $150 per residence or commercial building) and sets collection through the same method as ad valorem taxes; allows limited late fees assessed by the county Revenue Commissioner to cover its own costs. Establishes a seven-member board (initially from the existing volunteer fire department board) with annual officer elections and public information requirements. Grants the district powers to operate fire protection services, borrow money, enter agreements, and manage district property, with funds restricted to fire protection activities and subject to annual audits and public posting. Requires voter approval for imposing charges, provides withdrawal options for property owners, and outlines dissolution procedures with assets to the St. Clair County Volunteer Firefighters Association.

Who It Affects
Property owners and facilities within the Davis Lake Fire District in St. Clair County, who would owe an annual fire protection service fee (up to $150 per residence or commercial building) and may be subject to liens for nonpayment; withdrawal rules apply if they have protection from another district or municipality.
District governance and county administration (the Davis Lake district board, the St. Clair County Revenue Commissioner, and residents) who will manage, collect, audit, and publicly disclose district finances and operations.

Key Provisions
Fire protection service fee: up to $150 per residence or commercial building; collected like ad valorem taxes; late fees for nonpayment may be charged by the Revenue Commissioner and used for the Commissioner’s office; exemptions align with ad valorem tax exemptions.
Governance: initial seven-member board from the existing volunteer department; annual election of officers; public notice and minutes posting; no compensation for board members but reimbursement of expenses.
District powers and funding: district is a public corporation empowered to operate fire protection systems, borrow, contract, hire, and enter mutual aid agreements; funds may only be used for fire protection services and related costs, with annual audits and public posting of records.
Election/withdrawal/abolition: charges require majority approval at an election; property owners may withdraw under certain conditions; district can be abolished only if not indebted, with assets distributed to the St. Clair County Volunteer Firefighters Association; withdrawal and abolition processes include specific procedural steps.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: St. Clair County