SB129 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim McClendon
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: St. Clair Co., Davis Lake Volunteer Fire Department, fire protection fees, Revenue Comm. to separately state on ad valorem tax bill, Act 2017-265, 2017 Reg. Sess., am'd.
Summary: SB129 creates the Davis Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a fire district in St. Clair County and requires its fire protection fee to be listed separately on ad valorem tax bills, with voter approval and a $150 annual cap.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes establishing the Davis Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a fire district for fire protection. It requires any service charge or fee to be approved by district voters and capped at $150 per year per residence or commercial building, and it mandates the fee be shown separately on ad valorem tax bills. It sets withdrawal rules for property owners who receive protection elsewhere (with immediate withdrawal upon board review) and notes automatic withdrawal upon annexation by a municipality. It also provides for election procedures related to the service charge and automatic refunds or terminations of charges when withdrawals occur.

Who It Affects
Property owners and residents within the proposed or existing Davis Lake Fire District who would be subject to the fire protection fee (up to $150/year) and participate in any related elections, including withdrawal rights.
St. Clair County Revenue Commissioner and related agencies (e.g., 911 coordination and boards that handle withdrawals) responsible for separately listing the fee on ad valorem tax bills and processing withdrawals and appeals.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Davis Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a fire district; requires service charges to be approved by a majority of voters and sets an annual cap of $150 per residence or commercial building.
Requires the fire protection fee to be separately stated on the ad valorem tax bill by the Revenue Commissioner, including the exact amount and account number.
Provides withdrawal rules: a property owner may withdraw if protected by another district or municipality, with withdrawal reviewed by a board of review and effective immediately; no fees after withdrawal; automatic withdrawal upon annexation; no liability for fees if contracting with another fire department.
Allows election procedures for service charges and states that refunds for overpayments or termination of charges due to withdrawal are automatic; withdrawal or annexation triggers immediate changes.

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