AL HB545

Amends Act 56 of 1953 to clarify the duties and operation of the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission and its authority to commit tax proceeds for road and bridge projects.

Establishes the commission as a governmental body (not a private corporation) with 8 voting members including mayors of Tuscaloosa and Northport, county commission chair, chamber of commerce representative, industrial development authority director, two legislative delegation members, and an Alabama Department of Transportation director in advisory capacity.

Allocates remaining tax proceeds after statutory pledges in two ways: 75% administered by the commission for significant statewide roadway projects, and 25% distributed to county and municipalities proportionally by population for local roadway projects.

Authorizes the commission to appropriate, pledge, assign, and enter into long-term contracts using tax proceeds for road and bridge construction and maintenance, including power to issue bonds and borrow money for project purposes.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.