HB 141 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Public utilities; maximum fees payable to directors of certain public utility corporations increased, terms of certain directors extended

HB 141 increases maximum annual fees for directors of public utility corporations (like water, gas, and electric systems) in Alabama municipalities, with tiered limits based on city population size. For example, in cities under 5,000 residents, chair fees rise from $7,200 to $14,400 annually, while other directors see caps increase from $4,800 to $7,200 per year. The bill also extends the terms of certain board members and updates outdated code language. It directly affects utility corporation boards in Alabama cities, particularly those governed by local laws or specific municipal classifications.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Jan 9, 2026 Signed Apr 17, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed → Enrolled · 4 edits · Apr 17, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized for signature (Enrolled) after passing the legislature. The substantive text remains largely the same as the previous version, though the bill number was updated from NRC94J8-2 to NRC94J8-3. The core policy changes allow municipalities to increase utility board membership from three to five members and set specific director term lengths. It also establishes new fee limits for utility board members, raising the annual cap for non-chair members from $4,800 to $7,200 and increasing the chair's annual cap from $600 to $1,200 for smaller municipalities.

Scope change

The scope of applicability remains unchanged, applying to public corporations operating utilities in Alabama municipalities.

TECHNICAL

The bill number was updated from NRC94J8-2 to NRC94J8-3 to reflect its final status as an enrolled bill.

REQUIREMENT

Added specific rules allowing municipalities to increase utility board membership from three to five members with staggered initial terms of four and six years.

Clarified that utility board members in cities with populations between 6,500 and 8,500 may receive fees, whereas previous language was less explicit.

FISCAL

Increased the maximum annual fee for non-chair board members from $4,800 to $7,200 and raised the chair's annual fee limit from $600 to $1,200 for municipalities with populations under 5,000.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1320

upper

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (County and Municipal Government)

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 638

lower

Feb 26, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 637

lower

Feb 26, 2026

Introduced

County and Municipal Government Engrossed Substitute Offered (County and Municipal Government)

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (County and Municipal Government)

lower

Jan 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (County and Municipal Government)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors