This bill amends Section 45-49-140.10 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically addressing the collection of fire service fees in Mobile County. It introduces a definition for "residence" and makes several nonsubstantive updates to the existing legal language. Key changes include the clarification that the service charge for maintaining firefighting districts is a personal obligation of the property owner and establishes a lien against the property that can be enforced through sale, aligning it with municipal assessment foreclosure processes. Additionally, it outlines conditions under which property owners of certain structures located on county lines may avoid service charges, provided they meet specific requirements, including proof of agreements for fire and emergency services with other districts.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that in districts that levy service fees on residences, the fees will be collected from owners of various types of residential properties, including single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, and manufactured homes. The bill also allows for retroactive application of the waiver of unpaid service charges under certain financial conditions. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-49-140