HB108 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to Jefferson County; to amend Section 45-37-30, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the funding of the Jefferson County Cemetery Board, and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.

Summary

HB108 creates a Jefferson County Cemetery Board and changes how cemetery maintenance is funded and run, using pistol-permit fee revenue to support neglected cemeteries.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a seven-member Jefferson County Cemetery Board to manage cleanup and maintenance of neglected cemeteries, using inmate labor when needed and handling small equipment purchases. It funds the board from pistol permit fees, starting with $50,000 and then $25,000 each year, plus a one-time $200,000 payment shortly after the act takes effect. It allows the board to perform maintenance or take action against cemeteries only if a hearing finds the cemetery to be a public nuisance and includes exemptions for religious or private family cemeteries. It also states that the county commission has no authority over the board or cemetery funding, and the measure applies only to cemeteries existing as of May 26, 2017.

Who It Affects

• Jefferson County residents near neglected or public-nuisance cemeteries, who may see improved maintenance and cleanup efforts.
• Jefferson County Cemetery Board members and the county’s governance framework (including sheriff for inmate labor), with funding and operational changes; religious organizations and private family cemeteries are exempt.

Key Provisions

• Creates a seven-member Jefferson County Cemetery Board; four House-appointees and three Senate-appointees; chair rotates between House and Senate appointees; defined initial terms.
• Board duties include supervising cleanup/maintenance of neglected cemeteries, coordinating with the sheriff for inmate labor, purchasing equipment up to $500, and handling other necessary business.
• Board may perform maintenance on a private cemetery only after a hearing determines the cemetery is a public nuisance.
• Funding: establishes a Jefferson County Cemetery Account funded by pistol permit fee revenue; initial $50,000, plus $25,000 annually thereafter; a one-time $200,000 payment within 30 days of the act’s effective date.
• County Commission has no authority over the board and no responsibility for cemeteries under this section; no county funds expended due to this act.
• Exemptions: applies only to cemeteries existing on May 26, 2017; religious organization cemeteries and private family cemeteries are exempt.
• Board members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses; liability protections for board members are limited.

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

Subjects

Jefferson County, provided further funding for the Jefferson County Cemetery Board