Bibb County Leaders Participate in Regional Meeting to Shape 2025 Legislative Priorities
By Savannah Logan
Bibb County officials recently took part in an important gathering aimed at shaping legislative priorities for the upcoming Alabama legislative session. On Tuesday, January 28, local leaders attended the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA) District Meeting in Tuscaloosa County.
These meetings, held six times annually across different regions of the state, serve as a platform for county officials to collaborate on key policy issues. The discussions focus on crafting legislative proposals designed to improve county services, streamline operations, and ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
The legislative priorities developed from these discussions are part of the broader Alabama County Platform, a guiding document approved by all 67 counties in December. This platform outlines the collective stance of Alabama’s county governments on various policy matters that directly impact daily operations and local governance.
For 2025, the ACCA has identified several legislative priorities aimed at addressing critical issues across the state, including healthcare access, public safety, and government transparency. These include:
Expanding Statewide Access to Health Care Services
Alabama is facing a healthcare crisis, with many residents lacking coverage, hospitals closing, and emergency medical services becoming increasingly inconsistent. The ACCA is advocating for the implementation of ALL Health, a state-specific program designed to expand healthcare access for uninsured Alabamians. Unlike traditional Medicaid expansion, ALL Health is a cost-effective and sustainable approach that builds on successful strategies from other states to close the coverage gap.
Securing Local Representation on Mental Health Boards
Local mental health boards play a vital role in providing services to Alabama communities. To improve communication and coordination, the ACCA is working to ensure that County Commissioners, Probate Judges, and Sheriffs have permanent seats on these boards. This move would help align mental health policies with local needs and priorities.
Strengthening Accountability & Qualifications for Boards of Registrars
The voter registration process in Alabama lacks consistency, with Boards of Registrars operating under irregular hours and without clear oversight. The ACCA is advocating for legislation to improve transparency, ensure qualified and diverse board members, and clarify that registrars are not county employees. These changes aim to make voter registration more accessible and uniform across all counties.
Bringing Clarity to Statements of Economic Interests
To streamline the election process, the ACCA is proposing a single, uniform deadline for all candidates to file their Statement of Economic Interests (SEI). Currently, rolling deadlines create confusion, and a fixed date would simplify compliance and transparency for candidates and voters alike.
Streamlining the Sales & Use Tax Exemption Process
Currently, counties must “opt in” to apply tax exemptions, but there is no standardized way to notify taxpayers about these decisions. The ACCA is working to ensure that tax exemptions are only applied with County Commission approval and that taxpayers receive clear, timely information about exemptions.
Increasing Opportunities for County Mutual Aid
While Alabama law allows counties to assist one another during natural disasters, it is unclear whether they can collaborate for non-emergency events. The ACCA is advocating for legislation that would permit counties to enter into mutual aid agreements for any situation that affects public safety and well-being.
Allowing for Voluntary Coordination on 911 Services
Some emergency communication districts want to work together to improve 911 services while maintaining their independent governing boards. The ACCA is supporting legislation to allow 911 districts to form contractual partnerships for up to three years, provided public input is considered.
Updating Funding for 911 Operations
Since the Alabama 911 Board’s Cost Recovery account was established in 2012, the needs of 911 centers have evolved significantly. The ACCA is proposing legislation to modernize the distribution of these funds to ensure they support current operational demands and technological advancements.
Expanding the Law Enforcement Toolkit
Law enforcement officials in Alabama have reported an increase in the criminal use of Glock switches—devices that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons. While these devices are already illegal under federal law, Alabama has no state-level prohibition, making enforcement more difficult. The ACCA, in partnership with the Alabama Sheriffs Association, is pushing for legislation to ban Glock switches under state law.
Honoring a “Legacy of Leadership”
The late O.H. “Buddy” Sharpless III, former ACCA Executive Director, played a key role in shaping county government training programs in Alabama. To honor his contributions, the ACCA is proposing that the Alabama Local Government Training Institute be renamed the Buddy Sharpless Education Institute.
These legislative priorities, if passed, could bring meaningful improvements to Bibb County. Expanding healthcare access through ALL Health could help uninsured residents, while better mental health board representation could ensure local needs are addressed. Strengthening the election process and tax exemption policies would create more transparency for residents, and updates to 911 funding and law enforcement tools could improve public safety.
As the Alabama Legislature moves forward with these proposals, Bibb County leaders will continue to advocate for policies that benefit the community.
