AL SB42

Allows property owners to petition their county or municipal government to deed back abandoned road property that was originally acquired from them when the road is no longer used for its original purpose.

Property owner must meet four conditions: (i) government acquired the right-of-way from the private owner on both sides of the road; (ii) original or current owner owns both sides; (iii) road is abandoned and unusable due to unforeseeable conditions; (iv) owner can close to the midline of the right-of-way.

Petition shall be denied if: (i) another property owner would lose road access; (ii) road provides or could provide access to a recognized greenway trail under the Alabama Sweet Water Trails Project; or (iii) government can articulate a future use consistent with the original purpose for acquisition.

Exempts the State of Alabama and State Department of Transportation from the petition process.

Becomes effective June 1, 2025.