HB565 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Nathaniel LedbetterRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Wes Kitchens

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

State parks, Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority created and authorized to issue bonds for support of state parks, const. amend.

Summary

HB565 would amend the Alabama Constitution to authorize up to $85 million in general obligation bonds to fund improvements to state parks and public historical sites, overseen by a new Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority.

What This Bill Does

If approved, the state may incur debt by selling bonds to pay for improvements, renovation, acquisition, construction, equipment, and maintenance of state parks and public historical sites or parks. It creates the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority to issue and manage the bonds with the Governor's approval. Bond proceeds are dedicated to specific projects: up to $80 million for parks and public historical sites/parks, plus $5 million specifically for public historical sites/parks under the Alabama Historical Commission; any excess beyond $85 million would go to the Alabama Forestry Commission for state forests. Confederate Memorial Park in Marbury cannot receive bond funds. Upon completion, improvements become property of the respective state agencies. The bonds are direct general obligations backed by the state's full faith and credit and are tax-exempt. An election to approve the amendment will be held in 2022.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents and users of state parks and public historical sites who may benefit from improved parks and facilities funded by the bonds.
• State government and related agencies (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Alabama Historical Commission, Alabama Forestry Commission, and the new Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority) responsible for issuing the bonds, managing the funds, and carrying out the improvements.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority to issue and manage general obligation bonds with Governor approval.
• Allows bonds up to $80,000,000 in aggregate, potentially up to $85,000,000 in total principal amount.
• Proceeds used to pay costs of improvement, renovation, acquisition, provision, construction, equipping, and maintenance of state parks and public historical sites/parks; Confederate Memorial Park in Marbury excluded from bond-funded use.
• Allocates $80,000,000 of bonds for parks and historical sites with $5,000,000 specifically for Alabama Historical Commission projects; any excess above $85,000,000 goes to the Alabama Forestry Commission for state forests.
• Bonds are direct general obligations of the state, backed by full faith and credit; proceeds deposited into the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Fund and invested as described.
• Provisions for bond issuance terms include governor approval, sale methods (competitive bids), and maximum 20-year maturities.
• No further legislative approval required for bond validity; the amendment includes a 2022 statewide election to approve it and a ballot description.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments