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Leaders from all 67 Alabama counties convened this week at the annual Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA) Legislative Conference to solidify their policy priorities for the State Legislature’s 2025 Regular Session.
“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 ACCA Executive Director Sonny Brasfield. “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.”
During the conference, Alabama counties pledged to advocate for key legislative changes, including:
- Insurance Program: Establishing an insurance program leveraging federal funding without imposing undue budgetary strain on the state.
- Board of Registrars Reform: Amending the system to reflect county racial demographics, enhance accountability, and implement state and local oversight.
- Candidate Deadlines: Creating a unified deadline for candidates affiliated with political parties to submit statements of economic interests.
- Tax Exemptions: Formalizing annual opt-in procedures for county commissions regarding sales and use tax exemptions.
- Mutual Aid Expansion: Broadening mutual aid authority between counties to include non-disaster emergencies.
- 911 Services Efficiency: Enabling emergency communication districts to improve coordination of 911 services.
- 911 Funds Distribution: Revising the usage and distribution of unclaimed funds from the State 911 Cost Recovery account to support 911 operations equitably.
- Glock Switch Crime: Establishing state penalties for possessing a glock switch.
- First Responder Retirement Credit: Allowing correctional officers to earn first responder credit in the Employees’ Retirement System after completing specified training.
Counties also unanimously adopted the Alabama County Platform, a comprehensive document outlining the collective stance on a range of potential legislative issues. This platform ensures counties maintain a unified voice on matters affecting local governance.
The ACCA, representing all 67 counties, serves as a statewide advocate for improved county government services. The organization provides educational programs, legal advice, and insurance programs while representing county interests at the state and federal levels.
