Transportation

SB 270 requires Alabama's Public Service Commission to evaluate contracts between utilities and large data centers (defined as facilities using at least 150 megawatts) to ensure they recover the utility's additional "incremental costs" tied to serving these centers. The bill mandates that contracts must also promote "positive benefits" for other utility customers, such as potentially lowering costs, improving grid efficiency, or boosting local economic growth. This applies specifically to contracts with data centers meeting the 150-megawatt threshold and affects utilities, large data center operators, and all other electricity customers in Alabama. The law, effective October 1, 2026, adds new review criteria to the Commission's existing authority under Section 37-4-22.

This bill creates a pilot program called the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act to test automated photographic speed enforcement cameras in one designated interstate highway work zone. The system would automatically capture images and speed data of vehicles traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, and the state law enforcement agency would issue civil traffic citations to vehicle owners for violations. The program is designed as a temporary pilot that ends when the work zone is completed unless the legislature extends it, and agencies must submit reports to the legislature by March 2027 to evaluate its effectiveness in improving work zone safety.

SB 304 would allow Alabama municipalities to charge a business license fee to general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and land surveyors who perform work within the municipality but lack a physical office there. The fee could be a flat rate or based on revenue from work done in that municipality. The bill prevents double-charging if these professionals already pay a similar fee in another municipality where they maintain a physical office. It also clarifies that existing delivery license rules or exemptions still apply, meaning some professionals may not need a separate license. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026.

This bill prohibits the construction and operation of new large-scale ground-mounted solar power facilities for one year in Alabama counties that border the Gulf of America. The measure defines affected facilities as installations designed to generate electricity for off-site use or sale to third parties, excluding existing projects already under construction or operational when the law takes effect. The restriction applies immediately upon enactment and aims to protect coastal and watershed areas in Gulf-bordering counties.

SB 222 prohibits the use of automated driving systems (ADS) to operate oversized vehicles that require a permit under existing Alabama law (due to exceeding weight, width, length, or height limits). The bill also clarifies that state and local governments are not required to upgrade transportation infrastructure to accommodate ADS-equipped vehicles. Additionally, it prevents local or state entities from imposing new taxes or specific operational requirements on ADS vehicles. The law will take effect on October 1, 2026.