HB278 Summary

• Requires the Alabama Department of Revenue to develop and operate the Fleet Online Registration and Tax (FORT) system by January 1, 2022, enabling fleet operators to register vehicles, pay ad valorem taxes, license taxes, and registration fees online.

• Defines "fleet" as 50 or more similarly classified vehicles owned or leased by a fleet operator, with fleet vehicles limited to motor vehicles with gross vehicle weight not exceeding 12,000 pounds or utility trailers that are Class I or Class II property.

• Authorizes the Department of Revenue to issue five-year fleet license plates valid for fleet vehicles, with expiration date printed on the plate and proof of current registration maintained electronically.

• Establishes an advisory committee with representatives from local tax officials, county commissioners, probate judges, rental car organizations, fleet operators, and the Department of Revenue to review the FORT system design and operation through December 31, 2023.

• Requires local taxing authorities to provide annual ad valorem tax rates to the Department by December 1 for calculating and distributing collected fleet vehicle taxes to the appropriate local officials.