HB701 Summary

• Levies annual fire protection service fees on Russell County property owners outside Phenix City: $50 per residence and $100 per commercial building, effective only upon county commission approval and voter referendum approval.

• Exempts persons age 65 or older exempt from property tax and persons under 65 with annual adjusted gross income of $12,000 or less (principal residence only), with proof required by July 1 annually.

• Distributes collected fees to eligible volunteer fire departments certified under Alabama Forestry Commission guidelines: 32.5 percent equally among all departments and 67.5 percent based on number of residences and commercial buildings in each fire district.

• Restricts fund use to fire protection services, emergency medical services, training, supplies, equipment, and liability insurance; prohibits spending on salaries, food, drink, social activities, or fundraising.

• Requires referendum conducted as nearly as possible like constitutional amendment elections on the same day as the next countywide election, with results certified to the Secretary of State.