SB196 Summary

• Proposes an amendment to Amendment 617 of Alabama's Constitution to allow state parks with hotel facilities or golf courses to be operated by entities other than the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

• Authorizes issuance of up to $110,000,000 in general obligation bonds: $104,000,000 through the Alabama State Parks System Improvement Corporation and $6,000,000 through the Alabama Public Historical Sites and Parks Improvement Corporation.

• Requires lakes acquired with bond proceeds to maintain a minimum 600-foot buffer between shoreline and private property, with water sales revenues repaid to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

• Bonds are sold through public auction to lowest bidder and are exempt from state taxation except for inheritance, estate, and gift taxes.

• Requires election approval by a majority of qualified voters in accordance with state constitutional procedures.