Alabama House Bill HB299

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/12/23
• Refer: 4/12/23

Caption

Relating to highways; to amend Section 23-1-5, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the relocation of utilities; and to further provide for the reimbursement process for various expenses associated with the relocation.

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to streamline the utility relocation process, reducing potential delays in highway construction projects. By ensuring that utility companies understand their rights and responsibilities concerning relocations, the bill also aims to facilitate more efficient planning and execution of infrastructure projects. Utilities will be positioned to rely on the reimbursement structures detailed in the bill, which are designed to support the financial burdens associated with relocations.

Summary

House Bill 299 amends existing statutes regarding the relocation of utility facilities within the public right-of-way in Alabama. It empowers the Director of Transportation to order utility relocations when necessitated by construction projects on highways, ensuring these utilities comply with relocation orders. Moreover, it clarifies the reimbursement procedures for utility expenses incurred during such relocations, establishing accountability and systematic processes for cost verification.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, the bill may face scrutiny regarding its implications for utility companies, especially those with significant gross incomes. The stipulation that utilities earning more than $250 million would not receive state reimbursement could be contentious, as it may provoke concerns about equitable treatment across different utility providers. Stakeholders may raise points about the fairness of these restrictions, questioning whether they might disproportionately affect larger utilities or hinder timely relocations.