House Bill 512 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim WadsworthRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Solid waste utility fees; remedies for nonpayment of fees provided, penalties for failure to pay fees revised

Summary

HB512 would limit how solid waste fees are collected by making nonpayment remedies exclusive to civil actions and service suspensions, removing the misdemeanor penalty, and adding licensing, permits, and financial protections for waste disposal.

What This Bill Does

Remedies for nonpayment would be limited to civil actions to recover amounts due or suspension of services, and these would be the exclusive remedies. It would remove the misdemeanor penalty for nonpayment by users without a certificate of exception. It would require licenses, permits, performance bonds, and financial assurances for solid waste disposal, including a $250,000 guarantee for out-of-state transporters and health department oversight. It would allow a solid waste reserve fund to be used above $1,000,000 for lawful purposes and take effect October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Counties and municipalities that provide solid waste services, who would rely on exclusive nonpayment remedies (civil action or suspension) and manage the solid waste reserve funds.
• Private or corporate waste collection and disposal firms (and individuals) who must obtain licenses and permits, post bonds and financial assurances (including a $250,000 guarantee for out-of-state transport), pay license fees, and comply with health department rules.

Key Provisions

• Exclusive remedies for nonpayment: civil action to recover amounts due and/or suspension of services are the only remedies for nonpayment.
• Misdemeanor penalty for nonpayment removed: individuals using the solid waste system without a certificate of exception would no longer face misdemeanor charges for nonpayment.
• Licensing and permitting: disposal activities require licenses and permits; licenses require a performance bond; permits are renewable annually; sites must have permits or certificates of exception to operate.
• Financial assurances for out-of-state transporters: out-of-state transporters must post at least $250,000 in financial assurance (escrow, bond, or letter of credit) to obtain a permit; must ensure no regulated hazardous, infectious, or explosive waste is included; department to adopt rules.
• Regulatory oversight and fees: governing bodies may establish and collect annual license fees and set rate schedules; the health department enforces standards and may adopt rules to meet article requirements.
• Reserve fund authority: if the solid waste reserve account balance exceeds $1,000,000, funds may be expended for lawful purposes in the best interest of the county or municipality.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 26, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health