HB 498 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

City of Prichard; public nuisance defined, city enforcement authorized, procedures provided for

HB 498 defines specific public nuisances in Prichard, Alabama, including overgrown weeds (that pose fire hazards or are noxious), abandoned debris (like trash or tires), and inoperable vehicles visible on private property for 30+ days. The bill requires property owners to abate these issues within 10 days (with possible 28-day extensions) after receiving written notice from the city. If unresolved, the city can remove the nuisance and add the costs to the property owner’s next property tax bill, creating a lien. Owners can appeal the city’s determination to an administrative official or, if needed, to Mobile County Circuit Court.

Issues: ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Feb 24, 2026 Signed Apr 9, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 4 edits · Apr 9, 2026

MODERATE

The bill transitioned from an introduced draft to its final enrolled version, incorporating substantive policy updates to clarify definitions and enforcement procedures. Key changes include expanding the definition of an 'enforcing official' to include employees, explicitly defining the 'tax collecting official' as the Mobile County Revenue Commissioner, and adding specific exemptions for vehicles in repair shops or storage facilities. The final version also refined the timeline for abatement orders and clarified how notices are sent to property owners.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on the City of Prichard, but the applicability of enforcement roles and specific vehicle exemptions was broadened and clarified.

DEFINITION

Added a specific definition for 'Tax Collecting Official' as the Mobile County Revenue Commissioner and expanded the definition of 'Enforcing Official' to include designated employees.

ELIGIBILITY

Added specific exemptions stating that inoperable vehicles are not considered nuisances if they are in repair shops, junkyards, or storage facilities for damaged vehicles.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the notice procedures to specify that notices must be sent to the last person assessed ad valorem taxes on the property, with a requirement for owners to notify officials of ownership changes.

TIMELINE

Clarified that abatement orders must be completed within 10 days of the administrative decision or an additional period not exceeding 28 days.

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

Apr 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1066

upper

Apr 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Mobile County Legislation)

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1021

lower

Feb 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Mobile County Legislation)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors