HB 193 modifies Marshall County's election procedures by changing who selects the voting tabulator custodian (requiring the presiding circuit judge, circuit clerk, and presiding district judge to serve on the selection committee) and clarifying the custodian's specific responsibilities. These duties include testing voting machines, ensuring ADA-compliant equipment functions properly, managing equipment delivery/pickup, and conducting public tests. The bill also significantly increases the custodian's annual salary from $8,900 to $27,000, effective July 1, 2026, with potential future increases. This bill directly affects Marshall County election staff and operations, focusing on standardizing and funding the custodian role.
SJR 6 is a ceremonial resolution mourning the death of former Alabama State Representative Bryant Melton Jr. (1940-2025) and celebrating his life and service. It formally records the legislature's "profound sorrow" over his passing and honors his 24-year legislative career (1982-2006), during which he was the first Black legislator elected from Tuscaloosa County since Reconstruction. The resolution highlights his work redesigning local government structures for greater representation, sponsoring economic development bills, and his community leadership as an educator, veteran, and pastor. As a joint resolution, it has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute from the Alabama legislature to Melton's legacy.
This is a commemorative resolution (SJR 12) passed by Alabama's legislature to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Postal Service, which was established in 1775. It recognizes the postal service's historical role in American communication, commerce, and infrastructure, noting its growth from 75 colonial post offices to over 30,000 locations today. The resolution invites Alabama residents to participate in the anniversary by writing letters, buying stamps, or acknowledging postal employees. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition.
SJR 17 is a resolution (not a law) proposing to name specific roads in Walker County, Alabama, as "Smith Lake Parkway." It requests the Alabama Department of Transportation name portions of State Routes 5, 69, 195, and 257, plus Industrial Parkway, from Interstate 22 to the Walker-Winston County line. The resolution encourages installing signage along this route to guide tourists to Smith Lake, a major tourism destination for boating and fishing. This is a non-binding request for the DOT to consider the naming designation, pending legislative approval.
This is a commemorative resolution (HR 73) honoring Joe Frank Knight, Jr., a Montgomery, Alabama resident who died on February 17, 2025. The resolution documents his life, family, community ties, and personal interests - such as fishing, football, and his work at Wade and Gravel - without creating any new laws or affecting policies. It serves as a formal expression of legislative sympathy and tribute to his memory, offered by the Alabama House of Representatives. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative impact beyond recognition.
This is a commemorative resolution (SJR 4) honoring Dorothy Lee "Dot" Hatcher, a Montgomery seamstress and community member who died on December 23, 2025. The resolution formally mourns her passing and celebrates her life, highlighting her career as a tailor at Custom Creations, her role as a devoted mother to Senator Kirk Hatcher, her church involvement, and her service to Montgomery. It does not create any new laws or policies - it is solely a ceremonial tribute by the Alabama legislature. The resolution is offered to the Hatcher family and the community as a formal expression of respect.
SJR 5 recognizes Pineywoods cattle as Alabama's official heritage cattle breed. The resolution highlights the breed's historical significance as one of North America's oldest cattle types (introduced by Spanish settlers in the 1500s), its agricultural contributions to Alabama, and its unique traits like disease resistance. It also notes the breed is listed as threatened nationally with fewer than 1,000 annual registrations. The resolution directs copies to be sent to the Alabama Department of Agriculture, the Livestock Conservancy, and Pineywoods breeders to promote awareness and conservation efforts. This is a symbolic recognition with no new funding or regulatory changes.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HR 74) honoring Phillip Mays, a Montgomery, Alabama resident who died on January 19, 2026. It commemorates his life, military service (U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War, National Guard), career as a mental health psychologist for the State of Alabama, and his family. The resolution expresses the Alabama House's shared sorrow and celebrates his legacy of service, family devotion, and community impact. It does not create any new policy or affect any laws or regulations.
SJR 9 is a memorial resolution honoring the late Alabama State Representative Samuel Alan Harper, who served House District 61 from 2006 to 2018. The resolution formally records the legislature's "profound sorrow" over his death at age 68 and celebrates his career in public service, economic development work, and community contributions. It does not create any policy changes or affect any individuals or entities beyond expressing condolences to his family. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with substantive provisions.
HB 72 prohibits smoking or vaping marijuana in any motor vehicle when a child under 19 is present, regardless of the driver's age. It classifies violations as a Class A misdemeanor, requires offenders to complete a virtual education course developed by the Alabama Department of Public Health, and mandates law enforcement to report violations to the Department of Human Resources. The bill also requires mandatory reporting when a child smells of marijuana, treating such reports as child abuse or neglect. Additionally, it directs the Alabama Department of Public Health to create free public education materials about the dangers of exposing children to marijuana smoke. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
SB 33 expands eligibility for Alabama's distinctive veteran license tags to include more veterans exposed to dangerous radiation during military service. Currently, only veterans directly involved in atomic bomb testing (1944-1962) qualify; this bill adds additional veterans who were exposed to radiation while serving, without specifying exact service periods. The change would allow these veterans to apply for the same distinctive tag, requiring the standard $3 initial fee (or $6 for Vietnam veterans' tags) and proof of eligibility. It does not alter existing fee distributions or administrative processes for the program. The bill amends Alabama Code §32-6-350 to broaden the radiation-exposure category in the veteran tag program.
HB 40 requires Alabama health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screening without deductibles, copayments, or other out-of-pocket costs for two groups: men over 50 and men at high risk for prostate cancer. High-risk men are defined as African American men or those with a father, brother, or son who had prostate cancer (diagnosed, developed, or died from it), or who carry certain genetic markers. The bill amends Alabama law to expand existing coverage requirements, ensuring these screenings are fully covered at no cost to patients. This directly affects insured men in Alabama who fall into these categories, removing financial barriers to early detection. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026.
