SB119 Summary

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

• Authorizes $110 million in state bonds ($104 million for state parks system improvements and $6 million for public historical sites and parks) to be issued by the Alabama State Parks System Improvement Corporation and Alabama Public Historical Sites and Parks Improvement Corporation.

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

• Establishes that bonds shall be sold at public sale to the lowest true interest cost bidder, with principal maturity not to exceed 20 years after issuance.

• Requires election approval by majority of qualified voters and encourages use of businesses reflecting the state's racial and ethnic diversity in bond and construction activities.