SB20 Summary: Alabama Drought Planning and Response Act

• Codifies the Alabama Drought Assessment and Planning Team (ADAPT) created by Governor's Executive Order 19 (June 24, 2011) with defined membership including representatives from state agencies, water authorities, and at-large appointees.

• Establishes the Monitoring and Impacts Group (MIG) as a standing subcommittee of ADAPT to collect and assess drought-related data including rainfall, stream flows, reservoir levels, and impacts on water supplies, agriculture, industry, and recreation.

• Requires the Office of Water Resources to publish and update a State Drought Plan at least every 5 years with procedures for defining drought levels, issuing drought declarations, and promoting water conservation.

• Mandates that community public water systems develop drought conservation plans with graduated response procedures and enforcement mechanisms, and report water restrictions or reductions to the Office of Water Resources.

• Authorizes the Governor to declare a drought emergency and issue executive orders restricting or reducing water withdrawals under the Alabama Emergency Management Act of 1955, with preservation of drinking water as the first priority.