Senate Bill 312 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes KitchensSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Marshall County; volunteer fire districts, annexation of new areas, application of fire service fee, enforcement

Summary

SB312 would authorize annexing new areas into Marshall County’s volunteer fire districts, expand who pays the fire service fee, and set collection, penalty, and reporting rules to fund fire protection.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the Marshall County Commission to annex new areas into existing volunteer fire districts through a plan developed with the local fire departments association and approved by the county. It expands the fire service fee to cover more property types (dwellings, business properties, mobile/tiny homes, RVs, and multi-unit buildings) and allows separate fees for multiple units; if an area is annexed, the fee would apply to the entire area. It requires the Revenue Commissioner to collect and enforce the fee similarly to ad valorem taxes, imposes a $25 delinquent fee and citations for nonpayment, and dedicates funds to fire protection and emergency services with annual reporting and public disclosure; fee increases are limited for five years and require a referendum, with a negative vote delaying another election for two years. The act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Property owners and tenants within Marshall County (including those in annexed areas) who would be subject to the fire protection service fee on dwellings and business properties, including mobile homes, tiny homes, RVs connected to utilities, and multi-unit buildings.
• Volunteer fire districts, the Marshall County Commission, the Revenue Commissioner, and the Marshall County Association of Fire Departments and Rescue Squads, which would manage annexations, collect and distribute funds, maintain records, and report on finances.

Key Provisions

• Provision that authorizes annexation of new areas into existing Marshall County volunteer fire districts and outlines the plan, certification, review, and county-approval process.
• Provision that defines the expanded fire protection service fee structure (including building types, dwellings, mobile/tiny homes, RVs, and multi-unit properties), collection by the Revenue Commissioner, delinquent and citation fees, fund distribution to districts, and required reporting and fiscal safeguards.

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

Subjects

Marshall County