SB 247 regulates picketing and protesting by prohibiting certain activities. It bans the use of artificial noise amplification and nighttime protests at or near residences when done with the intent to harass, intimidate, or disturb occupants. The bill also makes it illegal to block public roads, residential entrances, or workplace entrances while picketing or protesting. Violations would result in criminal penalties, and law enforcement officers must first ask protesters to disperse before making an arrest. Additionally, counties and municipalities are allowed to adopt stricter local ordinances regarding the time and noise level of protests in residential areas.
SB 296 would authorize off-road vehicles (ORVs) to be operated on certain public roads in unincorporated county areas with speed limits up to 55 mph. To do so, ORVs must be registered, insured, and equipped with specific safety features like brakes, lights, seatbelts, and a roll bar, and display a restricted-use license plate. Operators must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver's license. The bill provides exemptions for agricultural use or private property operation and establishes that violations would be considered a traffic infraction.
SB 270 modifies the collection of certain county sales and use taxes. Specifically, if a portion of a county sales and use tax is distributed to a county board of education for capital projects, that particular portion of the tax may only be levied in the geographical areas served by that county board of education. This change affects counties, county boards of education, and taxpayers in areas where such taxes are collected. The bill is slated to become effective on October 1, 2025.
SB 266 expands the oversight authority of the Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee. This bill clarifies that all funds from occupational and professional licensing boards or commissions are subject to the committee's review. It also removes the requirement that only personal or professional services contracts paid out of appropriated funds issued on a state warrant are reviewed, thereby broadening the scope of contracts the committee can examine.
Senate Bill 245 aims to revise eligibility determinations for public assistance programs, specifically Medicaid and food assistance, affecting applicants and current recipients. It prohibits the Alabama Medicaid Agency from accepting certain self-attestations for Medicaid eligibility without prior verification. The bill mandates both the Medicaid Agency and the Department of Human Resources to establish data matching agreements with various state and federal agencies to regularly cross-check eligibility information, including income, employment, and assets. These agencies must also regularly review federal data sources to assess continued eligibility. Finally, the bill requires these agencies to regularly publish aggregate data related to investigations of fraud and noncompliance.
SB 232 extends the expiration date of the Underground Damage Prevention Program, which administers the One-Call Notification System. This program aims to prevent damage to underground utility facilities and safeguard against injury during excavation or demolition. The bill moves the program's statutory sunset clause from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2035. This extension means that operators of underground facilities will continue to be required to participate in the One-Call Notification System for an additional eight years.
This bill amends existing law regarding county and municipal library boards in Alabama. It clarifies that members of these local and joint library boards serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and can be removed by a two-thirds vote of that authority. The bill also requires local library boards to submit annual reports to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate, detailing board membership and any actions taken regarding the review or removal of collection items. Additionally, it mandates that appointing authorities ensure diversity among board members.
SB 302 amends existing law regarding motorcycle helmet use in Alabama. It authorizes individuals aged 18 years or older to operate or ride a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear. This exemption applies only if the individual is covered by a health insurance plan that provides medical benefits for injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. The bill maintains requirements for wearing shoes and existing rules for juveniles.
Senate Bill 225 amends current law concerning the drawing of blood in relation to traffic offenses, particularly for individuals suspected of driving under the influence. It allows qualified medical professionals, such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, and phlebotomists, to refuse a law enforcement officer's request to draw blood. This refusal is permissible unless there is a court order mandating the blood draw. The bill clarifies the procedures for collecting evidence in DUI cases by specifying the circumstances under which medical personnel may decline to perform a blood draw.
SB 255 proposes to regulate the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, defined as "novel cannabinoid products," directly affecting retailers and consumers. The bill would require the Department of Revenue to license businesses selling these products, prohibiting any business that also sells alcoholic beverages from obtaining a license. It mandates that the Department of Agriculture and Industries approve all products after third-party testing for potency, purity, and safety, along with specific labeling requirements. A six percent sales tax would be levied on these products, with proceeds, license fees, and civil penalties funding the Novel Cannabinoid Safety Fund to administer the new regulations.
SB 29 requires state and local governmental bodies to act on applications for licenses, permits, and certifications within specific timeframes, directly affecting individuals and businesses seeking these approvals. If an application is incomplete, the agency must notify the applicant of deficiencies within 15 days. Once a completed application is received, the governmental body must approve or deny it within 45 days. If the agency fails to take action within this 45-day period, the application is automatically deemed approved, unless the applicant waives this timeframe.
SB 243 aims to modernize Alabama's economic development laws by updating outdated references. It removes mentions of the "Accelerate Alabama Strategic Economic Development Plan" from statutes governing research and development corridors, grants, and various tax abatements and incentives, aligning them with the Alabama Jobs Act. Additionally, the bill updates the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes, used to classify businesses for economic development purposes, from the 2012 version to the latest 2022 version. These changes affect businesses and state agencies involved in economic development programs.
