HB325 Summary

• Applies exclusively to Lawrence County and authorizes the county commission to create fire districts from volunteer fire departments that request incorporation through the county association.

• Fire districts may levy fire protection fees on dwellings and commercial buildings (up to $100 annually initially) only upon voter approval by majority of qualified electors, with fees collected by the county revenue commissioner like property taxes.

• Fire districts are public corporations with powers to sue, contract, borrow money, acquire property, and manage funds in compliance with state accounting guidelines and county association standards.

• Exempts fire districts from county and municipal taxes and provides tort immunity for district personnel under the Volunteer Service Act while establishing that firefighters are not county employees.

• Repeals Act 92-409 of 1992 and amends sections of the Alabama Code regarding fire protection fees to conform with Act 93-533 of 1993; effective October 1, 2025.