HB540 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bob FincherRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Randolph County, distribution of county tobacco tax further provided for

Summary

HB540 changes Randolph County's distribution of the county tobacco tax proceeds, detailing exact shares for fire protection, emergency services, economic development, and county programs.

What This Bill Does

It amends the law to direct the tobacco tax proceeds, after a 2% state share, to Randolph County for distribution to specific programs. The shares are 32% to volunteer fire departments and the Randolph County Rescue Squad (in equal shares), 24% to the Randolph County Industrial Development Council for tourism or economic development, 24% retained in the Randolph County General Fund, 10% to the Randolph County Equine and Agricultural Association Center, Inc., and 10% to the Randolph County Animal Shelter. Payments to fire departments and the rescue squad are monthly and must be used for their stated purposes; fire departments must meet minimum standards and cannot be paid salaries; noncompliant departments can be denied funds after notice and time to correct. The Equine and Agricultural Association cannot use funds for salaries, though board expenses may be reimbursed; salaries would need to come from other sources. The act takes effect immediately.

Who It Affects

• Randolph County volunteer fire departments and the Randolph County Rescue Squad — will receive a monthly, equal-share portion of 32% of the tax proceeds for fire protection, prevention, and emergency services, with funds restricted to those uses and subject to meeting minimum standards.
• Randolph County Industrial Development Council, Randolph County General Fund, Randolph County Equine and Agricultural Association Center, Inc., and Randolph County Animal Shelter — will receive their respective shares (24%, 24%, 10%, 10%) for tourism/economic development, general county use, agricultural education, and small-animal control.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 45-56-243.05 to specify distribution of Randolph County tobacco tax proceeds after a 2% state retention.
• Total distributions within 15 days include: 32% to volunteer fire departments and the Randolph County Rescue Squad (equal shares) for fire protection/emergency services; 24% to the Randolph County Industrial Development Council for tourism or economic development; 24% retained in the Randolph County General Fund for other county uses; 10% to the Randolph County Equine and Agricultural Association Center, Inc., for agricultural education; 10% to the Randolph County Animal Shelter for countywide small-animal control.
• Fire departments must meet minimum standards and funds cannot be used for salaries; noncompliant departments may be denied funding after notice and an opportunity to correct deficiencies, with standards determined by the Alabama Forestry Commission and recognized by the Randolph County Volunteer Firefighters Association.
• The Randolph County Rescue Squad funds are payable monthly and used for the delivery of emergency services.
• The Randolph County Equine and Agricultural Association Center, Inc. funds cannot be used for salaries; board members may be reimbursed for actual expenses, and salaries must come from other sources.
• Section 2: The act becomes effective immediately.

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

Subjects

Randolph County