The bill establishes a framework for the creation and funding of fire districts in Lawrence County, allowing volunteer fire departments to request the formation of these districts, subject to approval by the county association and county commission. It outlines governance procedures, including the selection of a board of directors and compliance monitoring, while defining key terms such as "commercial building," "dwelling," and "service area." The legislation introduces provisions for funding through voter-approved fire protection fees, which will be collected by the revenue commissioner, and repeals Act 92-409 from the 1992 Regular Session. It also amends Sections 45-40-141.02 and 45-40-141.04 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to align with previous legislative changes, emphasizing cooperation between fire districts and municipalities.

Additionally, the bill designates fire districts as public corporations with specific powers, including the ability to levy fire protection fees, which are capped at $100 and require voter approval. It mandates that expenditures be limited to fire protection and emergency response, with annual financial reporting to the county commission. The bill also details the assessment and collection of fees for commercial buildings and dwellings, allowing for late fees and debt collection for unpaid fees. It clarifies that existing fire districts' powers remain unaffected and that firefighters are not considered county employees, thus protecting the county from liability. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-40-141, 45-40-141
Engrossed: 45-40-141, 45-40-141
Enrolled: 45-40-141, 45-40-141