Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB219

Introduced
3/19/24  
Introduced
3/19/24  
Report Pass
3/20/24  
Refer
3/19/24  
Engrossed
4/18/24  
Report Pass
3/20/24  
Engrossed
4/18/24  
Report Pass
4/24/24  
Refer
4/18/24  
Enrolled
5/9/24  
Report Pass
4/24/24  
Passed
5/20/24  
Enrolled
5/9/24  
Passed
5/20/24  

Caption

Alabama Farm Center created, vested with powers and privileges, deemed economic development organization

Impact

The bill will exempt the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation from state, county, and municipal taxes, thereby allowing it to generate revenue without the burden of existing tax frameworks. This exemption includes all local ordinances, giving the corporation significant autonomy in its operations. Such provisions could lead to substantial economic benefits by making the center more competitive and appealing to businesses and stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

Summary

SB219 establishes the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation tasked with operating the Alabama Farm Center. The bill allows a board of directors to oversee the corporation, which is designed to promote agricultural education, business, and workforce development in Alabama. By facilitating various agricultural advancements, the corporation aims to centralize and enhance the agricultural activities in the state, potentially driving economic growth through the promotion of agriculture.

Sentiment

Reactions to SB219 appear to be generally positive among proponents, mainly those involved in the agricultural industry, who view the bill as a proactive measure to enhance agricultural education and business. However, there may be some concerns from local governments regarding the reduction of their regulatory authority and potential loss of tax revenue, which could lead to significant debates on the balance of local versus state control.

Contention

A notable point of contention could arise from the extensive powers the bill grants the corporation, including flexibility in entering into public-private partnerships and potential conflicts with existing local governmental authority. Critics may argue that this undermines local decision-making power over land use and development, while supporters believe it is necessary for efficient agricultural development and economic competitiveness.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB417

Alabama Farm Center created, vested with powers and privileges, deemed economic development organization

AL HB153

Alabama Veterans Resource Center, center and board created to assist veterans and families transition to civilian life; duties and powers of board provided

AL SB70

Alabama Veterans Resource Center, center and board created to assist veterans and families transition to civilian life; duties and powers of board provided

AL HB4070

County economic development; creating the Rural County Economic Development Act of 2024; County Economic Development Organization; county-option sales tax levy; effective date.

AL SB243

Economic development, references to outdated economic development plan and NAICS Codes updated

AL SB165

Relating to economic development; to add Article 2D, commencing with Section 41-10-47.01, to Chapter 10 of Title 41, Code of Alabama 1975; to authorize the State Industrial Development Authority to make site assessment grants and site development grants to certain companies; to provide for the criteria that must be met for grant approval; to provide for changes to criteria based on economic conditions; to limit the funding that may be received by any site under the grant program; to create the Alabama Site Development Fund and provide for its management; to amend Section 41-10-27.2, Code of Alabama 1975, providing for an annual appropriation to the State Industrial Development Authority, to authorize the appropriation to be expended on the grant program created herein; and to exempt the State Industrial Development Authority and certain economic development organizations from certain state laws.

AL SB583

Establishing economic incentives for data centers to locate within state

AL SB857

Establishing economic incentives for data centers to locate within state

AL HB441

Growing Alabama Act, Innovating Alabama Act, Alabama Jobs Act, Innovate Alabama, allow existing communities to qualify for incentives

AL SB1447

Economic development; creating the Creating Oklahoma's Modern Plan for Economic Transformation and Effectiveness (COMPETE) Act; creating the Division on Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion. Emergency.

Similar Bills

CA AB1773

Williamson Act: subvention payments: appropriation.

CA AB2632

Williamson Act: subvention payments: appropriation.

AL SB194

Agriculture authorities; authorized to terminate or move easements via eminent domain

AL SB317

Agriculture authorities, estab. by counties, power to sell property, contracts for sewer service, sales and use tax exemption, further provided for, Secs. 11-20-73, 11-20-80, 11-20-81 am'd.

AL SB27

Relating to agriculture authorities; to amend Section 11-20-71, Code of Alabama 1975, to authorize the board of directors of an authority to appoint former members of the board as directors emeritus to serve as goodwill ambassadors of the board; and to amend Section 11-20-80, Code of Alabama 1975, to exempt certain agricultural authorities from municipal ordinances or regulations without the consent of the authority.

CA AB1351

District agricultural associations: authorized activities.

AL HB417

Alabama Farm Center created, vested with powers and privileges, deemed economic development organization

CA AB1131

District agricultural associations: joint powers agreements: audits.