HB426 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

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: HB426 would make Washington County a wet county for alcohol laws, allow future elections to change its status, and let the county levy additional taxes on alcohol with the money going to the county general fund.
What This Bill Does
If the amendment is ratified, Washington County would become wet on the first day after ratification. The county could hold elections in the future to switch between wet and dry classifications, with the first election not less than two years after becoming wet. The Washington County Commission would be allowed to levy additional taxes on the sale of alcoholic beverages, and any revenue from those taxes would go into the county general fund. An election to ratify the amendment would be held during the 2022 general election.

Who It Affects
Washington County residents and businesses, who would be subject to alcohol laws and potential tax changes tied to the county’s wet status and future elections.
Alcohol retailers, license holders, and others selling alcohol in Washington County, who could face new or higher county taxes on alcohol.
Washington County government (county commission), which would have authority to levy additional taxes on alcoholic beverages and manage the resulting revenue into the county general fund.

Key Provisions
Proposes a constitutional amendment: Washington County becomes a wet county for state alcohol laws on the first day after ratification, with future elections to change classification as allowed by existing law.
First election to determine classification must occur not less than two years after the county becomes wet.
Authorizes the Washington County Commission to levy additional taxes on the sale of alcoholic beverages, including license taxes, with proceeds deposited into the county general fund.
Election to approve the amendment would be held during the 2022 general election, with ballot language guiding the Yes/No vote.

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