Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
House Bill (HB) 569 has become a subject of concern and debate over the past week, as it arrived at Governor Kay Ivey’s desk on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Residents stated they were unaware of the bill’s progression through the legislative process.
“Today, like so many citizens of Prattville, I feel blindsided,” said resident Stephanie Gillespie. “This proposal was fast-tracked, with no communication with city leadership or, more importantly, the citizens who will ultimately bear the impact.”
The process began when the Autauga County Commission unanimously approved an advertisement for local legislation on Feb. 3, 2026, related to sales/use and rental tax. The item was added to the commission’s agenda following their executive session and a vote to suspend the rules, which is required when an item was not previously listed on the agenda.
HB569, the local legislation that was approved for advertising, is an adjustment to the county’s current sales tax by an increase of one-half of one cent, beginning Sept. 1, 2026. That means $100 spent will equal 50 cents. The bill also includes a 3% increase on rented items, excluding residential home rentals.
The bill was advertised in the Montgomery Advertiser, a newspaper of record for the county, four times in February in print and on their website. Those dates include the 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. To qualify as a newspaper or record, a publication must meet certain criteria, including being in general circulation with a list of paying subscribers, having a printed news form at least once a week for 50 of the 52 preceding weeks, and being printed in English.
“This is pretty standard procedure,” said Commission Chairman Jay Thompson. “You have to advertise because the legislature can’t bring it up unless it has been.”
Following the local advertisement, HB569 was introduced into the Alabama State Legislature on March 5, 2026, where it was read on three separate dates by the House of Representatives and an additional three separate times by the Senate. These readings are required in government to ensure transparency and public participation in the legislative process before items are brought to a vote.
Both the House and Senate adopted HB569, which brought the bill to the governor’s desk.
While awaiting the final signature, the commission remains firm in its request to increase sales and rental taxes, as it has been nearly 50 years since the last increase in 1979. With the growth in population, costs, and recent investments, they believe that the increase is necessary.
“The demands of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and public safety while meeting state and federal standards have increased every year,” said District 1 Commissioner Rusty Jacksland. “Simply put, a funding structure built in 1979 can no longer support the realities of 2026.”
