Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB42

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Report Pass
2/12/25  
Engrossed
2/18/25  
Refer
2/20/25  
Report Pass
2/26/25  
Enrolled
5/14/25  
Passed
5/21/25  

Caption

Property; governmental body authorized to allow condemned abandoned state road to revert back to original landowner once deemed unusable

Impact

The legislative changes proposed in SB42 are significant as they amend existing regulations surrounding land ownership and local governance. Specifically, the bill allows property owners to reclaim land that is no longer necessary for public infrastructure, thereby providing a pathway for them to retrieve assets that they may have lost. This could potentially affect property values and local municipal planning, as now there could be increased pressure on governing bodies to reconsider how abandoned public roads are managed and disposed of.

Summary

SB42, introduced by Senator Melson, amends Section 23-1-45 of the Code of Alabama to address the management of abandoned state roads. The bill enables property owners adjacent to roads that have been condemned and are no longer used for their intended purpose to petition their local governing body to have ownership of the abandoned road reverted to them. This measure aims to facilitate the return of property to owners when a road is deemed unusable due to unforeseen conditions. The legislation intends to empower local landowners by restoring their rights to land that was originally taken for public use.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB42 largely appears to be supportive among local landowners and advocates for property rights. Proponents appreciate the bill as a means of correcting past governmental actions that may have unjustly deprived citizens of their land. However, there could be concerns among municipal authorities about the implications of returning land to private ownership, particularly if that land may be needed again for future infrastructure or community needs. Overall, the bill reflects a broader discussion about the balance between public use and private rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the conditions under which property can be reverted to landowners. While the bill outlines specific criteria that must be met for petitions to be granted, opponents may argue about potential loopholes or the adequacy of conditions that ensure future community needs are met. Additionally, the bill excludes the State of Alabama and the State Department of Transportation from these provisions, which could lead to debates about fairness and the roles of state agencies in managing public assets.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB3

Local land bank authorities, tax sale property acquisitions, tax exemption for acquired properties, tax revenue allocation, conveyance to state and local governments, multijurisdictional land bank authorities, Governor authorized to create upon state of emergency.

AL HB241

Motor vehicles and traffic; first responders operating upon roadways, distinguished from pedestrians

AL SB299

Legislature; expenditure of funds further provided for; certain employee reimbursement authorized; access to buildings and roads further provided for

AL SB64

Motor vehicles, off-road vehicles, use on public roads, authorized under certain conditions

AL SB283

Motor vehicles and traffic; first responders operating upon roadways, distinguished from pedestrians

AL SB328

Community development districts, additional criteria for establishment of district on impounded reservoir created by river from wilderness area, sale of alcoholic beverages authorized

AL HB128

Municipal historic preservation commissions; municipalities prohibited from designating place of worship as historic property; places of worship authorized to agree to historic designation; retroactive application, provided for

AL HB371

Cullman County, authorizes sheriff to take certain actions regarding abandoned or stolen weapons

AL SB9

Class 1 Municipalities, enforcement of state regulations and municipal code liens, judicial in rem foreclosure, court-ordered sale of property, recovery of unpaid liens and cost of enforcement, not applicable to owner-occupied real property.

AL SB219

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

Similar Bills

CA AB2013

Property taxation: new construction: damaged or destroyed property.

CA AB1500

Property taxation: application of base year value: disaster relief.

CA AB245

Property taxation: application of base year value: disaster relief.

DC B25-0486

Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act of 2023

CA SB964

Property tax: tax-defaulted property sales.

CA SB603

Property taxation: transfer of base year value: disaster relief.

CA SB1091

Property taxation: transfer of base year value: disaster relief.

HI HB1398

Relating To Property.