SB 231 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Security; security provided at new Alabama State House, parking deck, and adjacent park

SB 231 updates Alabama's security law to cover the new State House building (bounded by Pelham Street, South Jackson Street, and Washington Avenue), its adjacent parking deck, and the park between South Union Street and the new building. It also extends security responsibilities to official legislative events held off-site within Alabama. The bill amends existing law to require security personnel to protect these specific locations, with the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency handling perimeter security. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, once the new complex is operational.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Jan 29, 2026 Signed Mar 17, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 6 edits · Mar 17, 2026

MODERATE

The bill evolved from a simple security update for the new Alabama State House into a comprehensive security and drone regulation package. The most significant change is the addition of a new crime prohibiting the intentional use of drones for surveillance within the Capitol area, including specific exemptions for news media and other authorized personnel. The bill also expanded the definition of the 'Capitol Area' to include the Governor's Mansion and various court locations, and clarified the responsibilities of state agencies regarding security at off-site legislative events.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded significantly from focusing solely on physical security for the new State House to including drone regulation across the entire Capitol complex and related government properties.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new crime for the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for surveillance or recording within the Capitol area.

Updated the security mandate to explicitly cover the new State House, parking deck, and adjacent park, while clarifying coordination for off-site events.

DEFINITION

Created detailed definitions for 'Capitol Area' (expanding to include Governor's Mansion and courts), 'Unmanned Aircraft System', and 'Vicinity' (500 feet horizontal, 250 feet vertical).

ENFORCEMENT

Authorized the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to take specific actions regarding drone violations and security enforcement.

ELIGIBILITY

Established specific exemptions for certain persons from the new drone crime, likely including news media and official government business.

TIMELINE

Added a specific effective date of October 1, 2026, for the new provisions.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Chambliss Concur In and Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 731

upper

Mar 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 791

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 790

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Introduced

Pringle 1st Amendment Offered

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 789

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Introduced

State Government Engrossed Substitute Offered (State Government)

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House (State Government)

lower

Feb 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (State Government)

lower

Feb 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 342

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Jan 29, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (State Governmental Affairs)

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors