HB610 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David Wheeler

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Jim CarnsAllen Farley

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Jefferson County, Jefferson County Advisory Board, established, duties established

Summary

The bill creates a Jefferson County Citizens Health Advisory Board and requires the county Health Officer to consider its advice before issuing countywide orders that would close businesses.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a five-member advisory board drawn from local government, schools, and business groups, with members who reside in Jefferson County and terms of four years. It requires the Health Officer to send any proposal to close businesses to the board for recommendations and to wait for a response within 48 hours before issuing the directive, ensuring consideration of the board's input. It also notes that the county Health Department continues under the State Board of Health's supervision.

Who It Affects

• Jefferson County residents, who may be represented on the advisory board and are subject to countywide directives that could affect businesses
• Jefferson County Health Officer and local health department, who must consult the advisory board before issuing business-closure directives
• Local governments and organizations involved in appointments (Birmingham City Council, Jefferson County Commission, Jefferson County Mayors Association, School Superintendents in District 5, Birmingham Business Alliance)
• School districts and their superintendents within Jefferson County
• Businesses and workers in Jefferson County, who could be affected by countywide closure orders

Key Provisions

• Creates the Jefferson County Citizens Health Advisory Board with five members appointed by the Birmingham City Council, Jefferson County Commission, Jefferson County Mayors Association, School Superintendents of Alabama District 5, and the Birmingham Business Alliance
• Requires advisory board members to be Jefferson County residents and to reflect diversity in gender, race, and geography; terms are four years with initial terms staggered; vacancies filled by the appointing authority
• Before any countywide resolution, order, or directive that could close businesses is issued, the Health Officer must submit the proposal to the advisory board and request recommendations, with the board required to respond within 48 hours; the Health Officer may not issue the directive until the recommendations are considered
• Section states the Health Department will continue to operate under the State Board of Health's supervision
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and 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

Jefferson County