The Alabama Legislature will convene on January 14, 2025.
Recently the Alabama Association of County Commissioners met to discuss the legislative agenda for the Associaiton of County Commissioners in 2025. The Alabama Association of County Commissioners are led by Sonny Brasfield, Executive Director who is one of the most powerful people in Alabama politics in Montgomery.
“Every year, this Conference serves as our final opportunity to gather together as an Alabama County Family and decide our collective stance on a myriad of pressing policy issues,” said Sonny Brasfield, ACCA Executive Director. “It is this collective discussion that allows us to speak with ONE Voice on the many issues and decisions that arise in Montgomery but that impact the operation of county government back home.”
For 2025, Alabama counties have outlined a series of legislative priorities designed to address critical operational and policy challenges:
- Insurance Program for Alabamians: Advocate for an insurance program leveraging federal funding while safeguarding Alabama’s state budget from undue financial strain.
- Board of Registrars Reform: Propose amendments to ensure county registrar appointments reflect local racial demographics, enhance accountability, and establish minimum qualifications for appointments.
- Candidate Statement Deadlines: Establish a single, standardized deadline for candidates affiliated with political parties to submit their economic interest statements.
- Sales and Use Tax Exemptions: Formalize a process enabling county commissions to opt into sales and use tax exemptions on an annual basis.
- Expanded Mutual Aid: Broaden the scope of county-to-county mutual aid agreements to include support for non-disaster emergencies and large-scale events.
- Enhanced 911 Services: Empower emergency communication districts to streamline the coordination of public safety answering points, improving the efficiency of 911 services.
- Equitable 911 Fund Distribution: Revise the distribution framework for unclaimed funds in the State 911 Cost Recovery account to ensure equitable support for 911 operations statewide.
- State Crime for Glock Switch Possession: Advocate for the establishment of a state crime penalizing the possession of a Glock switch.
- Retirement Benefits for Correctional Officers: Correctional officers who meet specific training requirements can qualify for first responder credit in the Employees’ Retirement System.
Additionally, conference attendees unanimously adopted the 2025 Alabama County Platform, a comprehensive document detailing the unified stance of all 67 counties on other potential legislative matters. This platform reflects the diverse needs of Alabama’s counties while emphasizing their shared priorities.
The ACCA continues to champion the interests of county governments across Alabama, offering educational programs, legal guidance, and insurance services while representing counties in state and federal policy discussions. By fostering collaboration and advancing critical legislative initiatives, the ACCA ensures that Alabama’s counties can provide efficient and effective services to their communities.
