State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) announced Friday that he is taking steps to repeal SB322, a bill passed earlier this year that would have allowed non-contiguous annexation to support potential resort development near Smith Lake.
In a video posted to his social media channels on Friday, Gudger said the bill had become a divisive issue across his district, overshadowing other community priorities and generating widespread public concern.
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“The number one topic that they kept talking about was SB322,” Gudger said, referencing conversations he had earlier in the day at Cullman County Institute Day and during visits to Winston and Blount counties. “It was all overshadowed by that one particular bill.”
SB322 drew opposition from the Cullman County Commission and some local residents who feared the bill would disrupt traditional annexation practices and strain local resources.
Gudger had previously defended the legislation as a tool to generate new economic development, but acknowledged Friday that public sentiment had shifted his position.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s at a point where I think that my job as senator is to bring in jobs, to bring in money, to bring in development… But I’m listening to the people loud and clear.”
Gudger said he filed a new bill—SB12—on Friday as a placeholder to repeal SB322 in full once the legislature reconvenes in January.
“It’s going to totally and entirely repeal SB322, in its entirety. That’ll be the first bill that I pass, and it will pass as we go forward this next session.”
Anticipating skepticism, Gudger reassured constituents that the repeal effort is genuine: “I know there’s people that are saying that, ‘Oh, it’s just a placeholder and it won’t ever move.’ It’s going to move. I’m telling you that now.”
He emphasized that community unity was more important than a single development proposal.
“We need to be working together as a group instead of splitting ourselves up because of this one particular development,” he said. “Just because I’m the one that did it, I’m going to be the one that goes back and says, ‘Hey, I’m listening to the constituents, and I’m canceling this bill out.’”
Gudger ended his remarks by reaffirming his love for the community and desire to move forward.
“I love this community way too much for it to be torn apart.”
He invited the public to attend a local Republican Party meeting the following morning for further discussion.
The 2026 Alabama Legislative Session will begin on January 13, 2026, and he said SB12 will be the first bill considered when lawmakers reconvene.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
