HB228 Summary

• Proposes a local constitutional amendment for Shelby County authorizing the county, cities, water and sewer authorities, sewage districts, governmental utility corporations, and private utility companies to enter into mutual aid contracts with each other.

• Mutual aid contracts may include provisions for furnishing personnel, equipment, supplies, and materials; reimbursement or indemnification for losses or damages; and delegation of authority to designated officials to send aid upon request.

• Officials and employees providing aid under mutual aid contracts remain employees of their aiding party and retain all rights, privileges, and immunities, including Alabama Workers' Compensation Act coverage, while providing aid or traveling to provide aid.

• Parties to mutual aid contracts may sell or convey personal property to be used in restoring utility services without following standard property disposition procedures prescribed by general law or local act.

• Parties to mutual aid contracts retain discretion to decline sending personnel, equipment, or apparatus and cannot be held liable in civil or criminal actions for declining to provide aid.