Mobile County Legislation

This bill proposes to expand the official boundaries of the City of Semmes in Mobile County by including six specific land parcels within the municipal limits. The legislation uses precise legal descriptions to define the exact areas being annexed, which are adjacent to existing city limits and include portions of land near Churchill Downs and Broughton Road. A map showing the proposed territory is filed with the Mobile County Probate Judge for public review, and the changes would take effect on October 1, 2026.

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.

HB 501 authorizes the City of Prichard to establish self-help business improvement districts (BIDs) that allow local businesses to voluntarily form districts to fund area improvements. The bill requires 60% of business owners to petition for a district, sets a 4% cap on annual benefit assessments (based on gross revenue), and mandates detailed district plans covering boundaries, proposed projects, and funding methods. These districts would fund tangible improvements like maintenance or marketing to benefit participating businesses, with administration handled by a business owners' association requiring majority business owner representation. The law outlines procedures for district formation, renewal, and dissolution but does not require city approval for the initial petition.

HB 500 (Mobile County; constable, number, territory, and qualifications amended) changes Mobile County's constable structure starting in 2029. It requires three constables per Alabama House district within the county (up from current numbers), with each serving a four-year term. Constables must also be registered voters in the district they represent. The bill takes effect January 1, 2028, pending passage of a broader state law allowing such local changes.

HB 496 requires Class 2 municipalities (smaller Alabama cities/towns) to notify neighboring homeowners when foreclosing on properties for unpaid code violations (like unsafe housing). It adds "adjoining owners" to the list of parties who must receive foreclosure notices and grants them the right to bid on the property before public auction, with bidding preference over other bidders. This applies specifically to municipal liens from code enforcement, not tax foreclosures, and updates existing code language to clarify these requirements. The bill directly affects adjacent property owners in communities governed by Class 2 municipal codes and changes how foreclosure notices and bidding processes operate.