AlabamaSB3122026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Marshall County; volunteer fire districts, annexation of new areas, application of fire service fee, enforcement

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Fire fees cover homes and businesses

Beginning October 1, 2026, Marshall County fire districts can charge covered homes and businesses a separate fire service fee. A majority of referendum votes must approve it. The fee starts the next month's first day and must be paid within one year after approval. Covered homes include mobile homes, manufactured homes, tiny homes under 500 square feet, and portable dwellings connected to utilities. Recreational vehicles on owned or rented property are covered when connected to utilities or equipped with their own utilities. Stored recreational vehicles without utility connections are excluded. Separately occupied or secured homes and business spaces receive separate fees when used by different owners, renters, or businesses. A business operating from a home is charged only once for that property. The fee cannot rise for five years after initial approval; later increases require voter approval. A rejected increase blocks another increase election for two years. The provided text does not state the fee amount.

Owners face late fees and citations

Beginning October 1, 2026, Marshall County's revenue commissioner collects and enforces the fire service fee. For mobile homes, collection follows annual manufactured-home registration timing and rules as closely as possible. Covered property owners owe a $25 late fee when they miss the payment deadline set by the commissioner. The commissioner must issue citations for unpaid service fees or unpaid late fees; the text gives no citation penalty amount. Late-fee proceeds are distributed in the same way as service-fee proceeds.

Residents can join districts with fees

Beginning October 1, 2026, qualified voters in Marshall County can petition to join an adjacent existing volunteer fire district. Signatures must equal at least 5% of the area's qualified voters who voted in the last general election. The county commission decides whether to approve the request. When the area is subject to a fire service fee, the county must hold a hearing and notify everyone subject to it. Approved annexation extends that fee throughout the area, alongside access to district services.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Wes Kitchens
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 133 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 663

Yes: 17 • No: 0 • Other: 88

House vote • 3/3/2026

Third Reading in Second House

Yes: 54 • No: 0 • Other: 51

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 520

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

Third Reading in House of Origin