The bill SB275 amends Sections 11-20-70 and 11-20-73 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which govern agriculture authorities established by counties. It clarifies and expands the powers of these authorities, specifically allowing them to develop commercial facilities and utilize the revenue generated to support their mission. The new legal language inserted into the bill specifies that authorities can "raise revenue to be used for the purposes of the authority," thereby enhancing their operational scope while maintaining the requirement that their operational area cannot extend beyond county boundaries. The bill also outlines the authority's ability to construct facilities, acquire property, enter into contracts, accept gifts and grants, hire professionals, and engage in financing agreements.

Additionally, SB275 introduces provisions that allow agriculture authorities to enter into various contracts and agreements with public and private entities, including design-build and lease agreements for project development and management. It permits the evaluation and awarding of proposals based on qualifications or best value, and overrides conflicting laws to enable the use of existing procurement methods for contract awards. The bill emphasizes that all obligations of the authority are enforceable solely against the authority unless explicitly agreed upon by the county commission. The effective date for this act is set for June 1, 2024, aiming to enhance the operational framework and flexibility of agriculture authorities in Alabama to better serve their communities and engage in economic development initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-20-73
Engrossed: 11-20-70, 11-20-73, 11-20-70
Enrolled: 11-20-70, 11-20-73, 11-20-70