HB471

ENROLLED, An Act,

Relating to Houston County; to provide for a transaction fee on certain tag transactions in the county; to provide for distribution of the proceeds for emergency medical services; and to provide a referendum.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:

Section 1. (a) In Houston County, the Houston County Judge of Probate shall collect a tag transaction fee in the amount of five dollars ($5) for each motor vehicle tag, excluding utility trailers, issued or renewed in the county. The fee shall not apply to tag transfers and replacement transactions. The tag transaction fee shall be in addition to any other fees authorized by law.

(b)(1) Three percent of the proceeds from the fees collected pursuant to subsection (a) shall be retained by the judge of probate to be used for the operation of his or her office.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (d), the remainder of the proceeds from the fees collected pursuant to subsection (a) shall be distributed to the Houston County Commission to be further distributed to the Houston County EMS Association for further distribution to EMS transport providers and the Dothan Fire Department, EMS Division.

(c) The proceeds distributed by the county commission pursuant to subdivision (b)(2) shall be used solely to provide emergency medical services in the county including salaries, equipment, supplies, matching funds, training, or other purposes directly related to the providing of emergency medical services. The proceeds may not be used for construction or maintenance of facilities.

(d) Notwithstanding subsection (b), the county commission, by resolution adopted upon a majority vote, may use a portion of the funds to contract with private emergency medical services if the county determines that contracts with private emergency medical services are necessary.

Section 2. Section 1 of this act shall become operative only if approved by a majority of the qualified electors of Houston County who vote in an election to the held on the day designated by the Judge of Probate of Houston County. The notice of the election shall be given by the judge of probate, and the election shall be held, conducted, and the results canvassed in the manner as other county elections. The election shall be held in conjunction with the 2020 general election. The question shall be "Do you favor the adoption of Act ______, of the _____ Session of the Alabama Legislature? YES_____ NO ______." The county shall pay any costs and expenses not otherwise reimbursed by a governmental agency which are incidental to the election. If a majority votes cast in the election are "Yes," Section 1 of this act shall become operative January 1 following approval. If the majority of the votes are "No," this act shall be repealed and shall have no further effect. The judge of probate shall certify the results of the election to the Secretary of State.

Section 3. This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Houston County

Judge, Probate

Motor Vehicles

Tag Transaction Fee

Counties