HB148 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 23-4-20 to establish procedures for property owners to petition for vacation of public roads, streets, or alleys by filing a written petition with the governing body.

• Requires the governing body to hold a public hearing within 100 days of receiving the petition, with notice provided to abutting property owners and utility companies at least 30 days before the hearing.

• Establishes special procedures for single-member district counties where family members petition to vacate streets: if the district commissioner does not move to vacate within 100 days, other commissioners may place the issue on the county commission agenda with proper notice.

• Allows property owners to file suit in circuit court for vacation of unpaved streets or alleys if the county commission denies or fails to act within 100 days, provided all abutting owners join the action and vacation does not deprive other property owners of necessary access.

• Protects utility companies' rights to continue accessing, maintaining, extending, and enlarging their lines and equipment in vacated roads to the same extent as if vacation had not occurred.