HB485 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim WadsworthRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to Winston County, to authorize the sheriff to conduct fundraising events; and to provide for the distribution of the proceeds.

Summary

HB485 would let Winston County's sheriff hold fundraising events and use the proceeds for the sheriff's office or for local charitable groups, but it only takes effect if voters approve.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes the Winston County sheriff to organize fundraising events such as rodeos and fishing tournaments and to spend the money from those events on the sheriff's office or to give to charitable organizations, including volunteer fire departments. The authority becomes active only if a majority of Winston County voters approve it at the next county-wide election. The ballot will present a Yes/No question about authorizing the sheriff to conduct these events and distribute the proceeds, and the act includes remedial language and immediate effectiveness upon governor approval or as otherwise law.

Who It Affects

• Winston County Sheriff and Sheriff’s Office — can plan and run fundraising events and use proceeds for operations or charitable distributions.
• Charitable organizations in Winston County, including volunteer fire departments — may receive proceeds from the fundraising events.
• Winston County voters (qualified electors) — must approve the measure at the next general, primary, or special election for it to take effect.

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): The sheriff may conduct fundraising events (e.g., rodeos, fishing tournaments) and may use proceeds for any lawful purpose related to sheriff's office operations or distribute to charitable organizations including volunteer fire departments.
• Section 1(b): The act’s provisions are remedial and curative; sheriff actions in line with Section 1(a) are ratified and confirmed.
• Section 2: The act becomes operative only if a majority of Winston County voters approve at the next county election; the ballot will state the proposition in full and provide Yes/No options.
• Section 3: The act becomes effective immediately after passage and governor approval, or otherwise becomes law.

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

Subjects

Winston County, authorized the sheriff to conduct fund raising events and provided for the distribution of the proceeds.