SB43 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy PriceSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Emergency Management Agency, shelters, to adopt guidelines for identifying and designating safer place shelters throughout the state

Summary

The bill requires Alabama's Emergency Management Agency to create guidelines for voluntary designation of safer place facilities for severe weather, with rules on eligibility, nondiscrimination, safety standards, and protections for volunteers and providers.

What This Bill Does

It requires the Emergency Management Agency to develop uniform guidelines by the end of 2021, in cooperation with relevant associations. The guidelines must outline how communities are notified about safer places, an application process for owners or controllers to designate a structure, and criteria ensuring nondiscrimination and appropriate use. They also set safety requirements (like exits, smoke detectors, and sanitary facilities), a withdrawal process, and rules about not providing compensation for designation. The bill also clarifies that users participate at their own risk and that volunteers and facility providers have protections similar to other emergency workers.

Who It Affects

• Local emergency management agencies - will implement the guidelines and manage the designation process
• Owners or controllers of structures who may designate a portion of their property as a safer place facility
• Volunteers who designate or provide facilities - designated as volunteers under the Volunteer Service Act during the designation period
• General public or individuals who use safer place facilities - protected by nondiscrimination rules and acceptance of risk
• State and local government entities - prohibited from providing compensation related to designation or operation of safer places

Key Provisions

• Before December 31, 2021, EMA must develop uniform guidelines for identifying and designating safer place facilities, with cooperation from the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers and the Association of County Commissions of Alabama
• Guidelines must include: (a) methods to notify the community about safer places; (b) an application process for owners/controllers to designate facilities, requiring a good faith determination the structure meets criteria and will not discriminate; (c) description of use and duration; (d) nondiscrimination in availability
• Guidelines must require safety and building code standards, including a second exit, smoke detectors, and adequate sanitary facilities, and allow withdrawal of designation
• Facilities must meet building codes and provide better protection from the elements without creating a direct health or safety threat
• No state or local government may provide compensation related to designation or operation of a safer place facility
• Users of safer places assume risk; using a designated facility does not create invitee or licensee status
• Volunteers and facilities are protected under specified emergency management and volunteer service provisions

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

Subjects

Emergency Management Agency