Alabama 2023 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB299

Introduced
4/12/23  

Caption

Relating to highways; to amend Section 23-1-5, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the relocation of utilities; and to further provide for the reimbursement process for various expenses associated with the relocation.

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to streamline the utility relocation process, reducing potential delays in highway construction projects. By ensuring that utility companies understand their rights and responsibilities concerning relocations, the bill also aims to facilitate more efficient planning and execution of infrastructure projects. Utilities will be positioned to rely on the reimbursement structures detailed in the bill, which are designed to support the financial burdens associated with relocations.

Summary

House Bill 299 amends existing statutes regarding the relocation of utility facilities within the public right-of-way in Alabama. It empowers the Director of Transportation to order utility relocations when necessitated by construction projects on highways, ensuring these utilities comply with relocation orders. Moreover, it clarifies the reimbursement procedures for utility expenses incurred during such relocations, establishing accountability and systematic processes for cost verification.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, the bill may face scrutiny regarding its implications for utility companies, especially those with significant gross incomes. The stipulation that utilities earning more than $250 million would not receive state reimbursement could be contentious, as it may provoke concerns about equitable treatment across different utility providers. Stakeholders may raise points about the fairness of these restrictions, questioning whether they might disproportionately affect larger utilities or hinder timely relocations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB606

Public highways; relocation of certain utility facilities associated with the construction of public highways, provided

AL SB311

Public highways; procedure for issuance of permit for access to state rights-of-way on public highways, further provided

AL SB94

Adoption, Minor Adoption Code and Adult Adoption Code revised, procedures related to investigations, service of notice, and revocation of consent further provided for, duties of Department of Human Resources further provided for

AL HB190

Adoption, Minor Adoption Code and Adult Adoption Code revised, procedures related to investigations, service of notice, and revocation of consent further provided for, duties of Department of Human Resources further provided for

AL SB22

Alabama Jobs Act, further provides for recapture of incentives

AL HB455

Clarke County, coroner, expenses further provided for

AL HB497

Shelby County, City of Alabaster, plant nuisance abatement further provided for

AL HB608

Henry County, coroner and deputy coroner, expenses further provided for

AL SB201

Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, filing of claims further provided for

AL HB355

Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, filing of claims further provided for

Similar Bills

VA HB976

Person in temporary detention process; alternative transportation provider.

UT SB0310

Transportation Utility Fee Amendments

VA HB976

An Act to amend and reenact ยงยง 16.1-340.2 and 37.2-810, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to transportation of person in the temporary detention process.

AZ SB1184

Transportation services employees; drivers; wages

MI SB0928

Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26

CA AB1343

Local alternative transportation improvement program: Feather River crossing.

NJ S1249

Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.

CA SB371

Transportation network companies: insurance coverage.