House Bill 416 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chad RobertsonRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Cleburne County; Cleburne County Economic Development Authority, established

Summary

Establishes the Cleburne County Economic Development Authority to promote industrial development and economic growth in Cleburne County, Alabama, with a board, staff, and powers to manage incentives and development projects.

What This Bill Does

It creates the Cleburne County Economic Development Authority and authorizes it to pursue industrial and economic development in the county and its municipalities. A seven‑member board, appointed by county commissioners, sets initial two‑, four‑, and six‑year terms and then four‑year terms. The board may hire a director and staff, adopt bylaws, and staff may participate in the Employees' Retirement System. The authority would have powers such as tax abatements, bond issuance, and property transactions to attract investment and create jobs, but tax incentives require affirmative approval by the local governing body and cannot be granted to board members, the director, employees, their spouses or dependent children, or affiliated businesses.

Who It Affects

• Cleburne County residents and local businesses who could benefit from development opportunities and jobs, but tax incentives would require local approval and could affect local tax revenues.
• Cleburne County and municipal governments and officials, as well as the authority's board and staff, who would oversee appointments, funding, and the use of incentives and powers.

Key Provisions

• Section 1 establishes the Cleburne County Economic Development Authority, defines the seven‑member board and initial term lengths, and triggers organizational processes including an organizational meeting by November 1, 2026.
• Section 2 authorizes bylaws, appoints a day‑to‑day director, and requires the director to comply with state filing requirements.
• Section 3 allows the authority to hire personnel and permits employees to participate in the Employees' Retirement System and purchase prior service credit.
• Section 4 makes board members and the director public officials under Alabama law.
• Section 5 grants the authority broad development powers (tax abatements, bonds, property transactions) with the condition that local authorities must affirmatively approve tax incentives and prohibits abatements for certain officials, their relatives, or associated entities.
• Section 6 requires the headquarters to be located in Cleburne County.
• Section 7 lists funding sources, including county funds, tobacco tax revenue, and grants or donations.
• Section 8 sets the effective date as 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

Cleburne County