SB345 Summary

• Authorizes any Alabama county to establish an agriculture authority as a public corporation to construct and operate facilities promoting agricultural businesses, workforce development, and economic development within the county.

• Requires county commission approval and filing of articles of incorporation with the judge of probate; authority board composed of up to 7 directors appointed by combination of county commission and legislative delegation, with majority appointed by legislative delegation.

• Grants agriculture authorities powers to acquire property by gift, grant, lease, or purchase; plan and develop agriculture centers; enter contracts; borrow money; accept grants and pledges; and lease property to public or private entities.

• Exempts agriculture authorities from municipal planning boards, zoning ordinances, state and local sales/use taxes, and ad valorem taxes; permits alcohol beverage consumption on-site at agriculture centers.

• Allows counties and municipalities to lease, sell, donate, or convey property and appropriate public funds to the authority without voter approval; upon dissolution, all authority assets transfer to the county.