SB219 Enrolled is a legislative bill that establishes the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation, which will be in charge of operating the Alabama Farm Center. The corporation is to be formed by individuals from an agricultural membership advocacy organization and will have exclusive rights to operate for this purpose in the designated location. The corporation is granted various powers, including the promotion of agriculture, business, and workforce development, and is exempt from certain municipal ordinances and taxes. The governance of the corporation will be managed by a board of directors appointed by state officials and entities, and the bill outlines the board's authority to manage the corporation's affairs, including property acquisition and contract negotiations. The bill also sets provisions for an advisory council, restricts public officials or candidates from board service, and prohibits board members from having significant interests in related contracts.

The bill further empowers the corporation to engage in financial transactions, such as investing, lending, and issuing bonds, even in ways that would be unconstitutional for the state or its subdivisions. It allows the corporation to participate in business organizations, create subsidiaries, and manage its properties and funds. Additionally, the corporation can pledge taxes and revenue for federal funding, and local governments can transfer property to the corporation without voter approval. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted within the Alabama Farm Center, and the corporation is exempt from various taxes and designated as an economic development organization. The bill mandates biennial audits and includes a severability clause, taking effect immediately upon passage.

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