House Bill 557 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kelvin LawrenceRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Wilcox County; ad valorem taxes, additional tax established

Summary

HB557 would replace an expiring Wilcox County ad valorem tax with a voter-approved renewal that could raise the rate up to 19 mills, with funds split to county operations and public schools.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a renewal process to continue Wilcox County's ad valorem tax with a maximum rate of 19 mills for tax years beginning Oct 1, 2027. The increase would take effect when the expiring tax ends and is designed to result in no net increase in the county's total ad valorem tax rate. Proceeds would be distributed as two mills to the county general fund and seven mills to the Wilcox County Board of Education for public school purposes. Approval by a majority of qualified electors at the next applicable election is required.

Who It Affects

• Property taxpayers in Wilcox County may see a tax rate change up to 19 mills, subject to voter approval
• Wilcox County government (general fund) and the Wilcox County Board of Education would receive dedicated portions of the new tax revenue (2 mills to county general fund, 7 mills to the Board of Education)

Key Provisions

• Allows renewal of the existing ad valorem tax in Wilcox County to a maximum of 19 mills for tax years beginning October 1, 2027, replacing the expiring tax.
• Distributes the increased proceeds as 2 mills to the county general fund and 7 mills to the Wilcox County Board of Education for public school purposes.
• Requires approval by a majority of qualified electors at the next general, primary, constitutional, or special election held for that purpose.
• Effective date: June 1, 2026; tax rate would apply for the Oct 1, 2027 tax year and replace the expiring tax, with the renewal designed to avoid a net increase in the total county tax rate.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 3, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Wilcox County