This bill amends Section 6 of Act 2003-213, which pertains to the distribution of the county tobacco tax in Randolph County, Alabama. The key changes include the reallocation of funds, specifically replacing the previous designation of 24% of the tax proceeds from being "used" for tourism to being "distributed to the Randolph County Economic Development Authority" for both economic development and tourism. Additionally, the bill maintains the distribution of 32% to volunteer fire departments and the Randolph County Rescue Squad, 24% retained in the General Fund, 10% to the Randolph County Agricultural Center, and 10% to the Randolph County Animal Shelter.

The bill emphasizes the proper use of funds allocated to volunteer fire departments, mandating that these funds be used solely for fire protection, prevention, and education, while prohibiting any use for salaries or compensations. It also stipulates that only fire departments meeting minimum state standards, as determined by the Alabama Forestry Commission, will receive funding. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-56-243