HB627 Summary

• Authorizes creation of transit authorities in Alabama counties with populations of at least 600,000 to establish and operate public transportation systems, with continued applicability even if county population subsequently falls below 600,000.

• Establishes governance structure with a 9-member board of directors appointed by the authorizing county and principal municipality, including provisions for 4-year terms, compensation limits ($10-$250 per director annually), and diversity requirements in appointments.

• Creates a Transit Citizens Advisory Board (TCAB) as an independent body to advise the authority on transit development, operations, and service planning, with representation from geographic regions, minorities, transit users, and paratransit users.

• Requires annual payments to the authority from the authorizing county (5.5% of first $18.1 million in ad valorem taxes plus 2.5% of excess), principal municipality (10% of ad valorem taxes collected within city limits), and participating municipalities based on requested service routes and operating hours.

• Repeals five prior transit authority acts and grants the authority broad powers including issuing bonds, acquiring property, setting rates (subject to principal municipality approval), employing staff, and providing public transportation while maintaining employee protections and labor union rights.