HB573 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Nathaniel LedbetterRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Wes Kitchens

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

State parks, implementation of bonding authority of the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority, improvement and maintenance of state parks, Sec. 40-23-35 am'd.

Summary

HB573 creates the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority to issue up to $85 million in state bonds to fund improvements and maintenance of state parks and public historical sites, contingent on ratification of HB565.

What This Bill Does

HB573 creates a public corporation to manage park projects and authorizes up to $85 million in general obligation bonds (issued in series) plus potential refunding bonds. Bond proceeds must be used only for improving, renovating, equipping, acquiring, constructing, and maintaining state parks and public historical sites, with any excess beyond $85 million allocated to the Alabama Forestry Commission for state forests. The act also amends state law to recognize bonds issued by the authority and makes the implementation contingent on HB565 ratification.

Who It Affects

• State residents and visitors who use Alabama state parks and public historical sites would benefit from improved facilities and ongoing maintenance.
• The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Alabama Historical Commission would oversee projects and manage funds and contracts related to park and historical-site improvements.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority as a public corporation to oversee improvement, renovation, equipping, acquisition, provision, construction, and maintenance of state parks and public historical sites.
• Authorizes the Authority to sell and issue general obligation bonds and refunding bonds; bonds are general obligations of the state with the full faith and credit pledged for timely payment.
• Sets bond amount at up to $85,000,000 in aggregate principal; bond proceeds used for approved projects; excess bond proceeds beyond $85,000,000 (plus issuance expenses) may be allocated to the Alabama Forestry Commission for state forests.
• Allocates initial bond proceeds: $80,000,000 for parks and related purposes; $5,000,000 for public historical sites and parks; Confederate Memorial Park funding is explicitly excluded.
• Requires investment and management of proceeds through a dedicated Alabama State Parks Enhancement Fund in the State Treasury; outlines governing and contracting controls, and requires approvals by the Governor and Director of Finance.
• Amends Section 40-23-35 to include bonds issued by the Authority; the act is contingent on ratification of HB565; includes dissolution provisions if no bonds are outstanding.

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

Subjects

State Parks