House Bill 369 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bob FincherRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Randolph County; distribution of county tobacco tax further provided for

Summary

HB369 changes how Randolph County's county tobacco tax proceeds are distributed, specifying allocations to fire services, rescue, economic development, agriculture, and animal control.

What This Bill Does

It amends the law to specify how Randolph County tobacco tax proceeds, after the state's 2% retention, are distributed to the county. It allocates 32% of the proceeds (in equal shares) to recognized volunteer fire departments and the Randolph County Rescue Squad for fire protection and emergency medical services; 24% to the Randolph County Economic Development Authority for tourism or economic development; 24% kept in the Randolph County General Fund for other county use; 10% to the Randolph County Agricultural Center for agricultural education and promotion; and 10% to the Randolph County Animal Shelter for countywide small animal control. Funds for fire departments and the Rescue Squad are paid monthly and must be used only for their stated purposes, with minimum standards required for fire departments and potential denial of funds for noncompliance; the act also establishes an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Randolph County volunteer fire departments (receive a share of 32% and must meet minimum standards; funds cannot be used for salaries; funds paid monthly).
• Randolph County Rescue Squad (receives a share within the 32% and funds are for the delivery of emergency services; funds paid monthly).
• Randolph County Economic Development Authority (receives 24% for tourism or economic development).
• Randolph County Agricultural Center, Inc. (receives 10% to promote agriculture and educational opportunities).
• Randolph County Animal Shelter (receives 10% for countywide small animal control).
• Randolph County General Fund (receives 24% to be used as other county funds).
• State government (specifically the Department of Revenue) (retains 2% of the tobacco tax proceeds before distribution).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 45-56-243.05 to change how county tobacco tax proceeds are distributed after the state's 2% retention.
• Allocates 32% of proceeds (in equal shares) to recognized volunteer fire departments and the Randolph County Rescue Squad; each department gets one share and the Rescue Squad also gets one share.
• Allocates 24% to the Randolph County Economic Development Authority for tourism or economic development; 24% to the Randolph County General Fund for other county uses; 10% to the Randolph County Agricultural Center, Inc.; 10% to the Randolph County Animal Shelter.
• Fire department funds are payable monthly, must be used for fire protection, prevention, and fire safety education, and departments must meet minimum standards; noncompliance can result in denial of funds after notice and a cure period.
• Rescue Squad funds are payable monthly and must be used for the delivery of emergency services.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Feb 19, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Randolph County