Another ACCA priority bill signed into law
This past Monday, ACCA’s priority legislation related to underground facility liability (SB205 by Sen. Gerald Allen and Rep. Steve Clouse) was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey. Effective January 1, 2027, Act 2026-255 makes a number of technical updates to Alabama’s Underground Damage Prevention Program and, most notably, extends liability protection to county commissions when improperly installed underground facilities are damaged during routine road maintenance. Act 2026-255 can be reviewed in its entirety here.
Legislative Session on pause this week; Counties urged to discuss EMS bill with House Members
Alabama state lawmakers will pause legislative work in Montgomery this week in observance of the Legislature’s annual spring break. While no legislative action is scheduled this week — and no Goat Hill Prep email will be distributed today — this presents a critical opportunity for county leaders to engage lawmakers while they are back home in their districts. ACCA’s priority legislation to strengthen access to emergency medical services (EMS) in Alabama — SB269 by Sen. Bobby Singleton and Rep. Ed Oliver — is set to be considered on the House Floor when lawmakers return on Tuesday, March 31. For this reason, county leaders are strongly encouraged to get in touch with their House Members this week and urge their approval of SB269. Talking points for the legislation can be found here.
Registration now open for 2026 NACo Conference
Registration is now open for the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference and Exposition, set to take place July 17-20 in New Orleans. The largest meeting of county elected officials and staff from across the U.S., the annual conference provides county leaders the opportunity to exchange innovative ideas and best practices, elect association leadership, and set NACo’s federal policy priorities for the year ahead. All county leaders are encouraged to attend and to make hotel reservations as soon as possible, as hotel rooms always book up quickly — and for planning purposes, please know that the ACCA staff will be staying at the New Orleans Marriott. Find complete conference and registration details here.
County Commissioners to receive training later this week on election administration, First Amendment audits
Dozens of County Commissioners will come together at 17 Springs in Millbrook this Thursday and Friday to participate in a course focused on election administration and First Amendment audits. Presented by the Buddy Sharpless Education Institute, the course will cover election oversight, legal and constitutional requirements, and the implications of First Amendment audits for public meetings and facilities, with a focus on balancing transparency, compliance and public trust. Learn more about the course here.
Corrections Officers to participate in March 25-26 de-escalation training
This week, Corrections Officers from across the state will gather in Prattville to receive specialized training made available through the ACCA Self-Insurance Funds’ Safety Incentive Discount Program (SIDP). Scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, the “Verbal De-Escalation: Surviving Verbal Conflict” class will be the second of five SIDP classes offered to Corrections Officers this year. Additional course details can be found here, and any questions can be answered by contacting the Member Services Team at County Risk Services.