Transportation and Energy

This bill prohibits the construction and operation of new large-scale ground-mounted solar power facilities in Alabama for one year. It directly affects developers, investors, and utility companies planning to build these off-site solar installations. The law defines solar power facilities as ground-mounted photovoltaic panel systems designed to generate electricity for off-site use or sale to third parties. The prohibition applies only to facilities not already operating or under construction when the bill takes effect, which is set to be immediate upon enactment.

This bill requires the state Department of Transportation to reimburse certain utilities for costs associated with relocating their facilities when public highway projects require it. The reimbursement applies specifically to utility infrastructure located within public rights-of-way and must be paid when the utility begins spending funds on relocation. The bill clarifies that these reimbursement rules do not apply to utility facilities on private property, where utilities are entitled to standard legal compensation instead. This change affects state transportation funding processes and utility companies involved in infrastructure projects along public roads.

This bill amends existing law regarding unclaimed motor vehicles. Currently, a person in possession of an unclaimed vehicle must report it to the Department of Revenue within five calendar days after it is considered unclaimed. This bill would allow towing companies to report a motor vehicle as unclaimed immediately after towing it. This change provides an expedited reporting option specifically for vehicles handled by towing services.

SB 231 proposes to expand the regulatory oversight of privately owned sewer and wastewater systems in Alabama. Currently, some of these systems are exempt from the Alabama Public Service Commission's (PSC) jurisdiction. This bill would subject privately owned sewer and wastewater systems with a design flow greater than 5,000 gallons per day to the PSC's regulatory authority, regardless of their waste disposal method. This change aims to bring more systems under state utility regulation, affecting the entities operating these systems and their customers.

SB 309 proposes new restrictions on the operation of certain automated driving system (ADS) equipped vehicles. The bill prohibits vehicles that require a special permit due to their oversized or overweight dimensions from being operated by an automated driving system. Additionally, it clarifies that state and local entities are not legally obligated to upgrade their transportation infrastructure to accommodate ADS-equipped vehicles. This impacts companies and operators utilizing autonomous technology for large commercial vehicles.