House Bill 285 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bryan BrinyarkRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Coal-Impacted Communities Economic and Workforce Development Grant program established, new fund created, distribution of rent and royalties of federal coal lease sales
Summary: HB285 would create a Coal-Impacted Communities Economic and Workforce Development Grant Program, a dedicated fund, and a specific revenue-distribution plan to aid economic and workforce efforts in Alabama's coal-impacted areas.
What This Bill Does
It would establish the Coal-Impacted Communities Economic and Workforce Development Grant Program to award grants to eligible local development organizations for regional economic and workforce initiatives in coal-impacted communities. It would create the Renewing Coal-Impacted Communities Act Fund in the State Treasury to finance and operate the grant program, with the Department of Workforce administering grants and an advisory committee reviewing applications. It would authorize grant funds for uses such as workforce development and training, quality of place improvements, public works and infrastructure, capital improvements, and operations of the Alabama Surface Mining Commission. It would direct revenues from rents and royalties from federal coal lease sales to be distributed starting after January 1, 2027, with allocations to the State General Fund, the Alabama State Port Authority for the McDuffie Coal Terminal, the Alabama Surface Mining Commission, and the remainder to the grant fund.

Who It Affects
Coal-impacted communities in Alabama (including Fayette, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties) that would be eligible for grants and have input through an advisory committee.
Local development organizations (nonprofits, municipalities, chambers, higher education institutions, and similar entities) that could apply for grants to fund regional economic and workforce initiatives.
The Port of Mobile and the McDuffie Coal Terminal, with dedicated funding to support terminal operations and related infrastructure through the Alabama State Port Authority.
The Alabama Surface Mining Commission, which would receive funds to support its operations and related activities.
The Department of Workforce and its Secretary, who would administer the program, aided by an advisory committee that ensures broad representation.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Coal-Impacted Communities Economic and Workforce Development Grant Program to award grants to eligible local development organizations for regional economic and workforce initiatives in coal-impacted communities.
Creates the Renewing Coal-Impacted Communities Act Fund in the State Treasury to finance and operate the grant program.
Establishes the Coal-Impacted Communities Economic and Workforce Development Grant Program Advisory Committee to review applications and make recommendations; includes diverse membership and four-year terms.
Defines coal-impacted communities and criteria for designation, including Fayette, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties, and sets eligibility criteria for local development organizations.
Allows grant funds to be used for workforce development and training, quality-of-place improvements, public works/infrastructure/services, capital improvements, and operations of the Alabama Surface Mining Commission.
Specifies revenue distributions starting after January 1, 2027: $1,000,000 to the State General Fund; $500,000 to the Alabama State Port Authority for the McDuffie Coal Terminal; $250,000 to the Alabama Surface Mining Commission; remaining funds to the Renewing Coal-Impacted Communities Act Fund for grants.
Authorizes up to 10% of total funds for administrative expenses and requires the Secretary of the Department of Workforce to adopt implementing rules; the act takes effect October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Economic Development