SB 185 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Transit authorities; to authorize participation in business organizations

SB 185 allows transit authorities in Alabama counties with populations of 600,000 or more to join business organizations focused on transit operations, land acquisitions, and related activities. It authorizes these authorities to create subsidiaries and arrange loans for such business ventures. Crucially, the bill specifies that these business organizations cannot exercise eminent domain powers. The changes update Alabama law to better support transit authority partnerships while maintaining legal safeguards.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Signed Mar 31, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 3 edits · Mar 31, 2026

MINOR

The bill was finalized as an enrolled act, transitioning from a draft introduction to a ready-to-pass version. The most significant substantive change is the addition of a new power allowing the transit authority to provide charter service within the state, expanding its operational reach beyond just public transportation systems. Additionally, the authority is now explicitly prohibited from acquiring real property owned by railroads or utilities via eminent domain, narrowing its ability to seize certain types of private land.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include the authority providing charter services across the state, while the scope of eminent domain powers was restricted regarding railroads and utilities.

SCOPE

Added a new power for the transit authority to provide charter service within the state, subject to federal and state law.

ENFORCEMENT

Modified the eminent domain clause to explicitly prohibit the authority from acquiring real property or rights owned by public or private railroads or utilities.

TECHNICAL

Removed draft metadata, including the bill number 'ZQFECWR-1' and the 'Introduced' status, replacing them with the final 'Enrolled' status and updated bill number 'ZQFECWR-2'.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 923

lower

Mar 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

lower

Feb 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Jefferson County Legislation)

lower

Feb 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 304

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Jan 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Jefferson County Legislation)

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors