HB 382 Summary

• Codifies the Alabama Drought Assessment and Planning Team (ADAPT) established by Governor's Executive Order Number 19 (June 24, 2011), defining membership, duties, and powers including representatives from multiple state agencies and Governor-appointed members.

• Establishes the Monitoring and Impacts Group (MIG) Subcommittee as a standing committee of ADAPT to collect and assess drought-related information including rainfall, stream flows, soil moisture, groundwater levels, and impacts on water supplies, agriculture, and industry.

• Requires the Office of Water Resources to publish and update a State Drought Plan at least every five years that includes procedures for defining drought levels, issuing drought declarations, and promoting water conservation statewide.

• Authorizes the Governor to declare drought emergencies and issue executive orders restricting or reducing water withdrawals by geographic area, with drinking water preservation for public health and safety as the first priority.

• Allows the Office of Water Resources to promulgate rules and requires community public water systems to develop drought conservation plans with graduated response procedures and enforcement mechanisms.