HB620 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the Alabama Legislature to create a toll road and bridge authority in Baldwin County by local law to extend the Baldwin Beach Express to U.S. Interstate Highway 65.

• Authorizes the authority to acquire, design, construct, equip, operate, and maintain the toll project and issue revenue bonds secured by toll, fee, and charge revenues.

• Grants the authority power to acquire property, receive public assistance, conduct design-build contracts in its sole discretion, and set tolls and fees for project use.

• Exempts authority bonds and related state/county obligations from constitutional debt limits and eliminates voter approval requirements for bond issuance under Sections 222 and 104(17) of the Alabama Constitution.

• Allows temporary suspension of tolls during Baldwin County Commission declarations of countywide emergencies when necessary for public safety and evacuation; requires voter approval of the amendment before implementation.