SB17 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew JonesSenator

Republican

Session

Second Special Session 2021

Title

Etowah County, Mega Sports Complex Authority, membership, distribution, treatment of debt, and rountine audits provided further, Sec. 45-28-22.03 am'd.

Summary

SB17 creates the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority, sets who can be on it, how it handles debt and funds, and requires routine audits.

What This Bill Does

The bill establishes the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority in Etowah County and defines its membership, appointment process, terms, and attendance rules. It grants the authority powers to acquire property, enter contracts, hire staff, and manage development and operation of a potential megasports complex, if pursued. It changes how local revenue and tax-like payments are distributed—TVA in-lieu-of-taxes payments go to the authority for financing, existing debts are paid first with new funds, and after debts are paid, certain revenues go to the county treasury only with unanimous consent. It requires regular audits by a licensed CPA, with public meeting requirements and annual/biannual reporting to state examiners and appointing authorities.

Who It Affects

• Residents and taxpayers of Etowah County, who may be affected by financing, debt payments, and potential development of a mega sports complex.
• Local government and appointing authorities (e.g., Rainbow City, Etowah County Tourism Board, Etowah County Chamber of Commerce, local legislative delegation, and the legislative sponsor) who oversee membership, appointments, and governance of the Authority.
• City of Sardis, because TVA in-lieu-of-taxes payments that would have gone to Sardis are redirected to the Authority for financing the complex.
• The auditing and oversight process in Rainbow City, which selects auditing firms and reviews annual financial audits.
• House Districts 28, 29, 30 and Senate District 10 residents, who are represented on the Authority by appointed or designated members.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority and applies only in Etowah County.
• Defines initial and staggered membership terms, appointing authorities (local legislators, Chamber of Commerce leadership, Tourism Board, and Rainbow City), and rules for adding members and filling vacancies.
• Requires attendance-based removal, quarterly meetings, and public posting of meeting minutes within 30 days.
• Grants the Authority powers to acquire/lease property, enter contracts, hire staff, accept donations, and manage development and operation of a mega sports complex if pursued.
• Allocates TVA in-lieu-of-taxes payments to the Authority for financing and operation, requires new revenues to first pay existing debts, and after debt is paid directs revenues to the county treasury only with unanimous legislative consent.
• Requires comprehensive financial audits by a CPA chosen from firms nominated by Rainbow City, with audits submitted to the Chief Examiner and appointing authorities within 30 days of completion, initially after the act and then on a two-year cycle.
• Effective date is immediate after Governor’s approval.

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

Subjects

Etowah County