Alabama House Bill HB335

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/18/23
• Refer: 4/18/23

Caption

Relating to Mobile County; to amend Sections 45-49-181, 45-49-181.02, 45-49-181.03, 45-49-181.04, and 45-49-181.08, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for acceptance by the county of certain unimproved roads from private landowners; and to regulate the construction of certain other unimproved roads.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB335 aim to enhance the efficiency with which Mobile County can address the influx of new roads resulting from private land development. By standardizing the procedure for road acceptance, the bill intends to promote clarity and accountability among property owners and the county government. However, it also places financial responsibilities on petitioners, such as funding utility relocations and culvert installations, which could create barriers for less affluent communities or developers. This could potentially affect the overall pace of road improvements in areas experiencing significant growth.

Summary

House Bill 335 seeks to amend existing sections of the Code of Alabama 1975 related to road maintenance in Mobile County, specifically targeting the acceptance of certain unimproved roads from private landowners and regulating their construction. The bill establishes a structured process for property owners to petition the county for the acceptance of roads into the county's maintenance system. It includes requirements for submitting detailed petitions and maps, as well as assurances from landowners regarding the indemnity of liability for road defects for a limited time following the acceptance of the roads.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB335 is the balance of responsibility placed on private landowners versus the county government in maintaining and upgrading unimproved roads. While supporters of the bill argue that it facilitates a much-needed process for road acceptance that aligns with growth patterns in the county, opponents may raise concerns about the burdensome requirements on property owners, particularly regarding the financial liabilities and administrative procedures involved. There may also be debates on how these requirements could favor larger developers over smaller landowners, thereby impacting local equity in road development.