AL HB285

Establishes the Coal-Impacted Communities Economic and Workforce Development Grant Program to provide grants to local development organizations for workforce training, infrastructure, public services, and capital improvements in Fayette, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties.

Creates the Renewing Coal-Impacted Communities Act Fund in the State Treasury, funded by federal coal lease rent and royalties beginning after January 1, 2027, with the Department of Workforce authorized to retain up to 10% for administrative costs.

Distributes federal coal lease revenues as follows: first $1,000,000 to State General Fund, next $500,000 to Alabama State Port Authority for McDuffie Coal Terminal, next $250,000 to Alabama Surface Mining Commission, with remaining funds going to the grant program.

Creates a 9-member advisory committee with four-year terms, including appointees from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, legislative leaders, and county legislative delegations from the four designated coal-impacted counties, plus the President of the Alabama Mining Association.

Effective date is October 1, 2026.