SB369 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim MelsonSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Lauderdale County; Economic Development Authority and Economic Development Authority Fund established, county commission authorized to levy additional sales and use tax

Summary

The bill creates Lauderdale County Economic Development Authority and lets the county levy a local 0.75% sales tax to fund economic development.

What This Bill Does

It establishes an Economic Development Authority to support current industries and retailers, attract new businesses, and coordinate local agencies to create jobs. It sets up a five-member board (appointed by the county commission), allows an executive director, and creates the Lauderdale County Economic Development Authority Fund with authority to spend on approved purposes and to receive contributions. It authorizes the county to levy an additional sales and use tax of up to 0.75%, with revenues deposited to the fund and administered like existing state/local taxes, while preserving current exemptions; the act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Lauderdale County residents, who may see new job opportunities from expanded or new industries and commerce.
• Local businesses and retailers in Lauderdale County, which would be subject to the new local tax (with exemptions consistent with current state exemptions).
• Consumers/shoppers in Lauderdale County, who would pay the additional tax on certain purchases.
• Lauderdale County Commission and local government, which would administer the tax and oversee the economic development authority.
• Organizations, governments, and private entities that may contribute funds to the Authority.

Key Provisions

• Creation of the Lauderdale County Economic Development Authority to aid existing industries and retail, attract new ones, and coordinate local agencies.
• Board of Directors: five members appointed by the county commission; four-year terms; officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer) elected annually; treasurer bonded.
• Authority may hire an executive director, set salary, provide staff and office space, and receive contributions; subject to audits by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
• Creation of the Lauderdale County Economic Development Authority Fund and authority to expend those funds for authorized purposes.
• County Commission may levy an additional sales and use tax of up to 0.75%; exemptions for items currently exempt under state tax statutes apply; tax proceeds deposited to the Authority Fund; administration aligned with existing Alabama tax procedures.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 17, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Lauderdale County