AlabamaHB4982026 Regular SessionHouse

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

Sponsored By: Napoleon Bracy (Democratic)

Enacted

Mobile County

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Prichard owners face cleanup bills and liens

Beginning June 1, 2026, Prichard can send city workers or contractors onto property when owners miss required nuisance cleanup deadlines. If an owner appeals to circuit court, the city must wait for a final court decision before authorizing cleanup. Owners can be charged for labor, equipment, materials, advertising, postage, and administrative and legal fees. The city must send an itemized bill at least five days before a hearing on costs. The City Council considers owner objections and can approve, change, or reject the costs. Approved costs can become a claim against the property, called a nuisance lien. The Mobile County Revenue Commissioner adds the lien costs to the property's next regular property-tax bill. Unpaid costs carry the same penalties and foreclosure-and-sale procedures as unpaid property taxes. The lien ranks behind mortgages or security interests recorded before it. It survives a later sale or redemption unless paid, so buyers and people reclaiming the property remain subject to it. After payment, the city clerk notifies the county and can record that the lien is satisfied. If foreclosure costs are not recovered at sale, the city must reimburse the county.

Prichard cleanup orders include owner appeal rights

Beginning June 1, 2026, Prichard can order property owners to clear qualifying weeds, abandoned debris, and inoperable vehicles. Covered weeds spread winged or downy seeds, pose fire risks, or are otherwise harmful or dangerous. Covered debris poses fire risks, breeds pests, or is otherwise harmful or dangerous. Vehicles qualify after 30 days in public view, or a longer period set by the City Council. They must lack a working engine, transmission, drivetrain, or wheels. Exceptions cover temporary repairs, qualifying wrecking or junk businesses, qualifying insurer-related vehicle storage businesses, and vehicles inside enclosed buildings. The city must notify owners in person or by first-class mail and post notice on the property. Notices go to the last owner listed for property taxes unless an ownership change is reported; owners must report changes. Owners have 10 days to clear the nuisance, with an extension of up to 28 additional days. They can request a public hearing within five days after notice is posted and present evidence. The city must issue a written decision within five days after the hearing ends. A nuisance finding starts another 10-day cleanup period, with an extension of up to 28 additional days. A finding of no nuisance voids the order, though the city can issue new notices later. Owners can appeal to Mobile County Circuit Court within 10 days of the decision but must post a cost bond. The court generally reviews the hearing record without new evidence and can change or cancel unlawful decisions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Napoleon Bracy
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 196 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2026

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

Yes: 32 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2026

Third Reading in Second House

Yes: 32 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

Third Reading in House of Origin

Yes: 66 • No: 0 • Other: 32

House vote • 3/31/2026

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