HB 130 allows current or former employees of the St. Clair County Day Program, Incorporated (a nonprofit serving children with disabilities) to buy back credit for prior service at the program toward their Alabama Teachers' Retirement System benefits. It requires the program’s governing body to formally elect participation and cover costs for crediting past service, with the employer paying the full employer contribution. Employees can only purchase credit for service before the program’s election to join the system, and benefits are limited to their contributions plus interest earned, with no state cost. The bill takes effect June 1, 2026, and directly affects eligible staff who previously worked for the Day Program.
HR 72 is a symbolic resolution designating Friday, February 6, 2026, as "Wear Red Day" in Alabama, aligning with the national Go Red for Women campaign. It does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups, but encourages all Alabama residents to learn about women's heart disease symptoms, support prevention, and join awareness efforts. The resolution highlights cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. and addresses disparities in care for Black, Hispanic/Latina, and Indigenous women. It serves as a ceremonial observance to promote education, not a policy change.
HB 257 amends Alabama criminal law to strengthen protections for victims of sexual abuse, particularly children and vulnerable adults in custodial settings. It creates a new crime for sexual misconduct by staff in inpatient facilities (like hospitals), expands definitions of offenses like indecent exposure and directing children to engage in sexual acts to include younger victims, and adds voyeurism to the definition of "sex offense." Key changes include raising indecent exposure involving children under 12 to a felony, requiring mandatory reporting for certain offenses with stricter timelines, and allowing child statements to be used more readily in court. The bill directly affects law enforcement, healthcare facilities, and individuals accused of sexual crimes against minors or vulnerable adults.
HB 265 creates criminal penalties for unauthorized use of DNA or genetic data in Alabama. It defines three levels of offenses: selling DNA without permission (Class C felony), submitting DNA for testing or disclosing genetic data without consent (Class D felony), and collecting DNA without consent or hacking systems (Class A misdemeanor). The law applies to individuals and entities handling DNA samples or genetic data, but excludes law enforcement use, court-ordered disclosures, genetic testing companies following existing rules, and de-identified data. It requires explicit consent for DNA use and prohibits unauthorized sharing or analysis, with exceptions for research at educational institutions. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, if passed.
SB 95 extends the expiration date of Alabama's Underground Damage Prevention Program from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2036. The program requires utility companies (including telecommunications, electricity, gas, and water providers) to use a "One-Call" notification system before excavation to prevent damage to underground infrastructure. This bill does not change the program's requirements but ensures its continued operation by delaying the sunset date. It directly affects all utility operators required to participate in the One-Call system and the organization managing it.
HB 322 updates Alabama's Underground Damage Prevention Program to add specific requirements for excavators working on "complex or large projects" (defined as projects exceeding standard 40-day notice periods, involving five or more work crews, or requiring multiple locate requests in one day). It mandates additional coordination steps for these larger projects before excavation begins, while extending the program's expiration date. The bill also clarifies definitions and procedures for the "One-Call Notification System" used to locate underground utilities. This affects construction companies, utility contractors, and other excavators planning significant projects across Alabama.
HB 114 extends two key deadlines for businesses handling motor fuels in Alabama. It increases the filing period for new or replacement surety bonds from 30 to 60 days after notification by the Alabama Department of Revenue, affecting natural gas sellers, fuel suppliers, importers, and distributors. It also extends the payment period for assessments (fines) on illegally imported or transported motor fuels from 30 to 60 days. The bill makes no substantive policy changes but updates existing code language to reflect these extended timeframes. This applies directly to licensed entities required to maintain financial security bonds under Alabama tax law.
SB 46 would allow Alabama drivers to voluntarily add a discreet mark to their license or ID card indicating they have been diagnosed with specific invisible medical conditions, such as autism, epilepsy, or schizophrenia. This applies to individuals who provide physician documentation of their condition. The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) must create this system at no extra cost to users, with the goal of helping first responders understand communication needs during emergencies. The bill defines "invisible medical conditions" as those affecting communication, like cognitive disabilities or traumatic brain injuries. It does not require any license changes or impose new fees beyond existing costs.
HB 89 sets fixed qualification fees for municipal elections in Alabama's Class 4 municipalities: $500 for mayoral candidates and $250 for council or school board candidates. It changes the exemption process for low-income candidates by requiring them to submit proof of income below 130% of the federal poverty level, instead of just a signed statement from three voters. This bill directly affects candidates running for local office in these municipalities, altering both the fee structure and the documentation needed to qualify for fee waivers.
HB 22 removes a requirement that prevented Class IV municipalities in Alabama from hiring the same certified public accountant to conduct annual audits for more than three consecutive years. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 11-43B-9 to eliminate this restriction, allowing these municipalities to retain the same auditor indefinitely if they choose. Class IV municipalities, which are a specific classification of smaller local governments (typically with populations under 10,000), are directly affected by this change. The bill does not alter other audit requirements, such as the need for a qualified accountant or the publication of audit summaries in local newspapers. It is pending committee review and would take effect October 1, 2026, if passed.
HB 39 lowers the fee for Alabama residents who already hold specific seafood licenses (such as fishing or processing permits) from $465 to $265 for a seafood dealer license. This applies to license holders under Sections 9-12-82, 9-12-87, 9-12-93, 9-12-113, or 9-12-124. The bill makes this reduced fee retroactive, covering licenses issued on or after October 1, 2025. It directly affects existing seafood dealers with qualifying licenses by reducing their annual licensing cost without changing the requirement to hold a license.
HB 50 would create the Imagination Library of Alabama Program to provide free monthly books to children aged birth to five in participating counties. The state program would coordinate with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, requiring the Department of Early Childhood Education to contribute 50% of the program's costs (with local partners matching the other 50%). This directly affects Alabama families with young children in participating areas, as it provides books at no cost to families while establishing a state fund to accept donations and manage funding. The bill requires the state to adopt rules for administration and publicly report program enrollment and impact annually.
