Senate Bill 362 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes KitchensSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Rural areas; create a tiered rural classification schedule

Summary

SB362 creates a tiered rural classification framework to categorize rural areas for use by state agencies.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a framework to classify rural areas into Tier One (Remote/Deep Rural), Tier Two (Rural), and Tier Three (Rural-Adjacent or Underserved) using population, density, isolation, and access to services. It defines different economic character types (agricultural, industrial, resource-based) with indicators to help determine the tier. State agencies may reference this schedule to set eligibility thresholds, prioritize funding, adjust matching and administrative requirements, and target resources to the most remote or underserved communities. Classifications are determined at the local level (municipalities, unincorporated areas, or census tracts) and agencies may adopt rules to implement the system using available data.

Who It Affects

• Rural communities (municipalities, unincorporated areas, and census tracts) will be classified into tiers based on size, isolation, and access to services.
• State and local government agencies that administer programs can use the tiered schedule to determine eligibility, funding priorities, and resource allocation.
• Residents and workers in rural areas may experience changes in access to services and economic opportunities depending on the tier and agency decisions.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a tiered rural classification schedule and a framework for classifying rural areas into Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three.
• Defines rural area and three economic-character types (agricultural, industrial, resource-based) with indicators.
• Sets specific tier criteria based on population, density, urban area status, geographic isolation, and access to health care, broadband, education, and other services.
• Requires classifications to be determined at the local level (municipal, unincorporated, or census tract) and not solely by county totals or metro status.
• Allows state agencies to reference the schedule to establish eligibility thresholds, prioritize funding and assistance, adjust cost-sharing, and target resources to remote or underserved communities, with priority to remote/deep rural areas where applicable.
• Permits agencies to adopt rules to implement the tiered system using data such as population, census designations, commuting patterns, land use, and other indicators.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 10, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

State Government