AL HB355

Applies only to Lawrence County and allows volunteer fire departments to incorporate as fire districts under Chapter 89, Title 11, Code of Alabama 1975.

Fire protection may be funded by fees collected from businesses and dwellings, with exemptions for schools, churches, hospitals, senior care facilities, agricultural buildings, political subdivisions, fraternal organizations, and seniors 65+ with annual income of $12,000 or less.

Fire protection fee revenue must be spent only on fire protection and emergency services expenses within the district, including training, salaries, supplies, equipment, and capital improvements, but not on food, drink, or social activities.

In incorporated areas, municipal governing bodies determine and approve fees by ordinance without an election; in unincorporated areas, fees require voter approval by majority vote in an election called by the judge of probate, with election restrictions of five years if approved and two years if disapproved.

Repeals Act 92-409 of 1992 and becomes effective October 1, 2024.