Senate Bill 306 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Class 1 municipalities; vacant property registration authorized

Summary

Authorizes Class 1 municipalities in Alabama to enact vacant property registration and maintenance ordinances, including fees and a maintenance program.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would let a Class 1 municipality adopt an ordinance to identify, register, and maintain vacant properties within its borders, and to charge registration fees. It would require a city-wide database and designate a program administrator to manage the program, issue notices, and collect fees. It also allows inspections, fines, and liens to recover costs and requires owner plans for restoration and occupancy, with rights to notice and appeal.

Who It Affects

• Vacant-property owners and their agents in Class 1 municipalities must register vacant properties, may owe initial and supplemental registration fees, and could face maintenance requirements and liens for noncompliance.
• Class 1 municipalities and program administrators gain authority to create and enforce the registration program, including fees collection, inspections, and liens, to address vacant properties and associated costs.

Key Provisions

• Empowers a Class 1 municipality to adopt a vacant property registration ordinance that applies to residential and/or commercial buildings within its limits, excluding federal/state/public corporate property.
• Creates a city-wide vacant property registration database, designates a program administrator, and requires the owner to register within specified timeframes (30 days after vacancy or transfer, or 10 days after notice).
• Sets registration fees (up to $250/year for residential, up to $1,000/year for commercial) with potential supplemental fees, waivers, and exemptions; allows refunds on a prorated basis and extensions for good cause.
• Allows inspections, fines, and liens to enforce compliance; costs may become a lien on the property, with due process rights including notice and an appeal, and ownership transfer may convey obligations to new owners.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 13, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Counties & Municipalities