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HJR 350

Joint Interim Commission on Utility Relocation Costs, established

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Blackshear

HJR 350 creates a bipartisan commission to study and improve how utility relocation costs for road projects are allocated and reimbursed, aiming to secure funding and propose lawfu

Reported Out of Committee Second House
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Bill Summary · HJR 350

HJR 350 — Joint Interim Commission on Utility Relocation Costs, Established

Status: Reported Out of Committee, Second House
Introduced: May 6, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Blackshear
Classification: Resolution
Subject: Transportation

Purpose and Intent

HJR 350 creates a bipartisan, joint interim study commission to examine the costs associated with relocating utility facilities that are located in, along, or under public road rights‑of‑way when road projects (such as realignments or widenings) are undertaken. The goal is to assess current practices and laws, and to develop recommendations for equitable allocation and reimbursement of relocation costs, including how to maximize federal funding.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of the Joint Interim Study Commission on Utility Relocation Costs to study:
    • Use of public road rights‑of‑way for utility facilities.
    • Current processes for relocation due to highway projects.
    • Costs and expenses of relocation.
    • Allocation and reimbursement of relocation costs.
    • Availability and use of federal funding to cover relocation costs.
  • Deliverables: A comprehensive set of recommendations for changes to law and procedures governing the allocation and reimbursement of relocation costs.
  • Scope includes the potential impact on public agencies, utilities, and ratepayers, with attention to funding sources and procedures.

Membership and Appointments

The commission includes a broad mix of public officials and industry representatives:
- 2 House members (Speaker-appointed)
- 2 Senate members (President Pro Tempore-appointed)
- 1 House minority member (appointed by House Minority Leader)
- 1 Senate minority member (appointed by Senate Minority Leader)
- 1 member each appointed by the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor
- Representatives from:
- Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)
- Alabama Public Service Commission
- Alabama Cable and Broadband Association
- Energy Institute of Alabama (electric industry perspectives)
- Alabama Natural Gas Association
- Alabama Stormwater Association
- Alabama Road Builders Association
- Alabama Water & Wastewater Institute
- Association of County Commissions of Alabama
- Alabama League of Municipalities
- Business Council of Alabama (with a focus on right‑of‑way/infrastructure)
- Broadband Association of Alabama and Mississippi
- Additional member(s) representing other organizations with relevant perspectives
- The appointing authorities must ensure diverse representation (racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, economic).

Process and Timeline

  • First meeting within 60 days after passage; subsequent meetings as needed.
  • Administrative support provided by Legislative Services Agency, Clerk of the House, and Secretary of the Senate.
  • Legislative members receive per diem and travel expenses; nonlegislative members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses.
  • The commission must issue its final report to the Legislature no later than the tenth legislative day of the 2026 Regular Session.
  • Upon delivering the report, the commission is dissolved.

Administrative and Compliance Details

  • The resolution requires notice of all meetings, names of members, and a copy of the final report and related documents to be provided to the Secretary of State.
  • Each appointing authority receives a copy of the resolution.

Affected Parties

  • State and local transportation agencies (e.g., ALDOT)
  • Utilities (electric, gas, broadband, water, wastewater, cable)
  • Road builders, municipal and county governments
  • Public and private stakeholders involved in rights‑of‑way management
  • Consumers and ratepayers who ultimately bear relocation costs or benefit from improved procedures

Summary

HJR 350 establishes a time‑bound, inclusive study body to evaluate how utility relocation costs tied to road construction are currently handled, with the aim of producing practical, law‑based improvements and securing federal funding where possible. The initiative emphasizes transparency, diverse representation, and a formal report to the Legislature by early 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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