HB38 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Brett EasterbrookRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Washington Co., alcoholic beverage, dry county, authorized to change to wet county, county authorized to levy add'l taxes, const. amend.

Summary

HB38 would make Washington County a wet county, allow alcohol sales under state law, and let the county levy extra alcohol taxes with future elections to decide whether it stays wet or becomes dry.

What This Bill Does

It would amend the Alabama Constitution to change Washington County from dry to wet for alcoholic beverages. It would allow future elections to change the county’s classification between wet and dry as provided by general law. It would authorize the county to levy additional taxes on the sale of alcoholic beverages, with proceeds deposited into the county general fund. The amendment would be put to a vote in the 2022 general election, and any first election to change status would have to be at least two years after the county becomes wet.

Who It Affects

• Washington County residents and visitors who buy or use alcoholic beverages, as the county’s status could change from dry to wet and back in the future.
• Alcohol retailers and other sellers, as well as county government, since the county could levy additional alcohol taxes and direct the revenue to the county general fund.

Key Provisions

• Proposes amending the Constitution to make Washington County a wet county for alcoholic beverage laws, with subsequent elections to change classification as allowed by law.
• Authorizes the Washington County Commission to levy additional taxes on the sale of alcoholic beverages, with proceeds deposited into the county general fund.
• Sets that the amendment would be voted on in the 2022 general election, and any initial election to change status must occur at least two years after the county becomes wet.

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

Subjects

Washington County