SB219 Summary

• Authorizes creation of a singular Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation to operate the Alabama Farm Center for promoting agriculture, agricultural business, and workforce development.

• Establishes a 7-member board of directors appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, county commission, and university deans, subject to Senate confirmation.

• Grants the corporation extensive powers including acquiring and developing property, issuing bonds, entering into contracts, creating subsidiaries, and participating in public-private partnerships for center operations.

• Exempts the corporation and its property from all state, county, and municipal sales and use taxes, ad valorem taxes, license and excise taxes, and municipal ordinances unless it consents.

• Allows counties and municipalities to lease, sell, or donate property to the corporation and appropriate public funds without voter authorization, and deems the corporation an economic development organization under the Growing Alabama Act.