AL HB542

Requires the state to pay at least $20 million annually starting October 1, 2027 for utility facility relocations by smaller utilities (gross annual income of $250 million or less) ordered by the Director of Transportation for road construction projects

Establishes new reimbursement for larger utilities (gross annual income over $250 million) for relocation costs, capped at $10 million total per fiscal year and $500,000 maximum per single relocation project

Mandates the Director of Transportation submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the total number and costs of utility facility relocations paid and reimbursed by the department

Requires the state to pay all further relocation costs when the Director orders a revision to a utility relocation project before completion

Defines transmission lines (40,000+ volts) and distribution lines (under 40,000 volts) as separate and distinct relocations for reimbursement purposes, with an effective date of October 1, 2026