SB362 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clay Scofield

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Greg AlbrittonGerald H. AllenWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyTom ButlerDonnie ChesteenChris ElliottVivian Davis FiguresSam GivhanKirk HatcherJimmy HolleyAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonJim McClendonTim MelsonRandy PriceGreg J. ReedDavid SessionsShay ShelnuttBobby D. SingletonRodger SmithermanLarry StuttsJ.T. WaggonerTom WhatleyJack W. Williams

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

The bill would amend the Alabama Constitution to allow up to $80 million in state bonds to fund improvements and maintenance of state parks, run by a new Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority, with voter approval in 2022.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the state to incur up to $80 million in general obligation bonds for park projects. The bonds would be direct obligations backed by the state's credit, issued by the new Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority, with proceeds used for park improvements and related costs. After projects are completed, improvements become property of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and proceeds are managed in a dedicated fund; refunds and various bond terms are allowed, and tax exemptions apply to the bonds and interest. An election in 2022 would decide the amendment, and implementing legislation would be required to put the plan into effect.

Who It Affects

• The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority would oversee and manage the bond-financed park improvements, with completed projects becoming state property.
• Voters in Alabama would vote on the constitutional amendment in the 2022 statewide election.

Key Provisions

• Authorization to issue general obligation bonds up to $80,000,000 for improvement, renovation, acquisition, provision, construction, and maintenance of Alabama state parks under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
• Bonds are direct general obligations of the state, pledged by the full faith and credit and taxing power of Alabama; issued by the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority; proceeds used for bond costs and park improvements.
• Improvements completed under Department plans; upon completion, improvements become property of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
• Authority to issue refunding bonds; terms, maturities, and conditions set by authority resolutions; last maturity not later than 20 years after the date of bonds in the same series.
• Bonds may be sold by public or private sale; competitive bids preferred; Governor must approve bond issuance; forms and terms determined by the authority.
• Bonds and interest income are exempt from state taxes (except certain taxes).
• Proceeds (after sale costs) go into the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Fund to be invested and disbursed by the authority solely for park-related purposes.
• No further legislative authorization is required for bond validity, but implementing legislation is needed, including provisions for refunding bonds; the authority must consider diversity in procurement.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments