The bill SB328 amends Sections 35-8B-1, 35-8B-2, and 35-8B-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish new criteria for community development districts, including specific requirements for size, amenities, and membership policies. New legal language defines a community development district as a commercial or resort area with a minimum of 500 contiguous acres, featuring a hotel or lodge with at least 100 rooms, an 18-hole golf course, a marina with at least 50 boat slips, and multiple dining establishments. The bill also mandates that membership policies must not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, or national origin, and allows for the regulated sale of alcoholic beverages, including Sunday sales, under the oversight of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing legal language by replacing "probate judge" with "judge of probate" for consistency and introduces provisions for the establishment of entertainment districts within community development districts where alcohol sales are permitted. It outlines the process for obtaining consent from property owners, filing articles of establishment, and the necessary approvals for the sale of alcoholic beverages. The legislation also addresses tax distribution related to alcohol revenues and the conditions under which existing community development districts can transition into new municipalities. Overall, SB328 aims to enhance economic development in specific areas by broadening the scope of community development districts and facilitating the sale of alcoholic beverages within these regions, with an effective date of July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-8B-1, 35-8B-2, 35-8B-3, 35-8B-1, 35-8B-2, 35-8B-3
Engrossed: 35-8B-1, 35-8B-2, 35-8B-3, 35-8B-1, 35-8B-2, 35-8B-3
Enrolled: 35-8B-1, 35-8B-2, 35-8B-3, 35-8B-1, 35-8B-2, 35-8B-3