The bill SB219 establishes the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation, which will oversee the Alabama Farm Center with the goal of promoting agricultural education and business development in Alabama. The corporation will be governed by a board of directors appointed by state officials, including the Governor and the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, and is tasked with ensuring diversity in its membership. The bill grants the corporation various powers, such as adopting bylaws, acquiring property, and entering contracts, while also providing it with certain privileges, including exemptions from municipal ordinances and taxes. Notably, the corporation is designated as an economic development organization under the Growing Alabama Act.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to expand the corporation's financial capabilities, allowing it to invest in securities, issue bonds, and engage in joint ventures. Significant deletions from current law remove previous restrictions on the corporation's financial activities, enabling it to lend credit and become a stockholder in other corporations. The bill also clarifies contract execution requirements and allows for the evaluation of proposals based on qualifications or best value. Other provisions include the ability to permit alcohol consumption on its premises, exemptions from various taxes, and the ability for local governments to convey property to the corporation without voter approval, all aimed at enhancing the corporation's operational flexibility and financial capacity. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40-9-14, 40-9-60
Enrolled: 40-9-14, 40-9-60