House Bill 315 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mary MooreRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Class 1 municipalities; vacant property registration authorized

Summary

HB315 would let Class 1 municipalities create vacant property registration rules, charge fees, and set maintenance standards for vacant buildings.

What This Bill Does

HB315 would authorize Class 1 municipalities to enact vacant property registration ordinances and establish a city-wide database managed by a designated program administrator. It requires owners to register vacant properties within set timeframes and provide information about ownership, contact details, the property, and when it became vacant. It sets a fee schedule (up to $250 annually for residential properties and up to $1,000 annually for commercial properties) and allows supplemental fees with limits, along with refunds, exemptions, and extensions under certain conditions. It provides enforcement tools such as fines and liens, allows inspections, and authorizes municipalities to require maintenance to fix or eliminate nuisances, with costs borne by the owner; the act becomes effective October 1, 2026 and applies only to municipalities that adopt it.

Who It Affects

• Vacant-property owners and their designated agents must register the property, provide required information, and may owe fees or face maintenance obligations and potential liens.
• Neighbors and nearby residents or property owners may benefit from reduced blight, improved safety, and potentially higher property values, but could experience more municipal inspections and enforcement actions related to vacant properties.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes Class 1 municipalities to enact vacant property registration ordinances and to maintain a city-wide database with a program administrator.
• Requires owners to register vacant properties within 30 days of vacancy or ownership transfer, and to provide minimum data such as owner contact, property address, parcel ID, and vacancy date.
• Imposes a fee schedule with caps: up to $250 annually for residential properties and up to $1,000 annually for commercial properties, plus possible supplemental fees with defined limits; includes refunds and exemptions for certain circumstances.
• Provides enforcement tools including fines, civil actions, and property liens for unpaid fees or fines; liens are recorded and may be superior to other liens except certain tax liens.
• Allows municipalities to inspect vacant properties and require maintenance to bring them into compliance, with the owner bearing repair and maintenance costs; enables removal from the registry when not vacant and assigns obligations to subsequent owners.
• Establishes notice and appeal rights for owners; allows case-by-case waivers or extensions for good cause; requires an in-state agent for owners residing outside the state.
• Effective date is October 1, 2026; the act applies only to Class 1 municipalities that choose to adopt it.

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

Subjects

Counties & Municipalities