MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Legislation repealing the Smith Lake annexation law (SB322) cleared the Alabama Senate Thursday morning with unanimous support.
Senate Bill 12, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, passed on a 34-0 vote with no abstentions, according to the official Senate roll call. The bill repeals a 2025 act tied to the Smith Lake development framework.
The repeal follows months of local debate over SB322, a 2025 measure tied to a proposed Smith Lake development that drew criticism from county officials and residents over annexation authority and local control.
Gudger told The Tribune, “Smith Lake repeal bill passes the Senate. Now headed to the House next week. First bill to pass just as I promised.”
The vote occurred during the third legislative day of the 2026 Regular Session. All senators present voted in favor of the measure.
With Senate approval secured, SB12 now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives, where it is expected to be taken up next week. If approved by the House, the bill would be sent to the governor for consideration.
