Housing

HB 349 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Whorton Bend Agricultural Protection Act in Etowah County, Alabama. It defines the boundaries of the Whorton Bend Community area (a peninsula along the Coosa River) and prohibits new commercial, industrial, or high-density residential development that would interfere with agriculture or environmental protections. The bill allows existing agricultural operations, farm-related businesses (like equipment storage or produce stands), and pre-existing commercial structures to continue operating, while banning new multifamily housing, apartment complexes, and projects that alter wetlands or riverbanks. This directly affects landowners and developers within the defined area by restricting future development to preserve the region's farming and environmental character.

HB 80 modifies how eviction notices must be delivered to tenants. It allows notices to be given to any adult resident ("sui juris") living on the property instead of requiring personal service to the defendant. This change directly affects tenants facing eviction and law enforcement officers serving eviction notices. The bill focuses on procedural changes to the notice delivery process under existing eviction law. It is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee.