MONTGOMERY — Members of the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee passed legislation repealing a law passed in 2025 that set up the framework for a Smith Lake development.
Senate Bill 322 by State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) and State Sen. Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) outlined a possible resort project including golf courses, restaurants, a hotel and other outdoor activities. The bill sailed through both the House and Senate in the 2025 session. It was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in May. However, the new law was opposed by many in the area and was a large issue in multiple House special elections in Cullman County.
Gudger pre-filed the repeal legislation in August for the 2026 session.
Gudger said at the committee meeting that the repeal bill would "repeal anything that we did on that last bill from last year."
"Last year, we had a state statute bill that had local application in Cullman County. From that, we pushed that bill through because I truly thought it was the right thing to do for the people of Cullman County. Going back home in the off session, went to many town hall meetings and meet-and-greets and realized they do not want this," Gudger said.
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