SB 217 defines "mixed spirit beverages" as drinks containing no more than 7% alcohol by volume, creating a new category currently regulated like liquor (not distributed through beer/wine channels). The bill establishes a licensing system requiring these beverages to be distributed through licensed wholesalers to licensed retailers (except ABC stores), imposes an excise tax on distribution, and mandates exclusive sales territories with binding distribution agreements between suppliers and wholesalers. It also sets penalties for retailers selling to individuals under 21 and adds labeling/display requirements to prevent misleading marketing. This directly affects businesses producing, distributing, and selling these low-alcohol beverages in Alabama.
SB 214 amends Alabama's Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Investment Act to clarify that a $2.5 million annual tax rebate is in addition to (not replacing) initial rebates for qualifying tourism projects. It requires approved companies to verify actual project costs through certification by an independent CPA, ensuring transparency in rebate claims. The bill directly affects tourism businesses - like resorts, theme parks, or historic district attractions - that seek tax rebates for qualifying projects with minimum private investments of $35-75 million. Key changes prevent misuse of funds by mandating verified cost documentation while maintaining the existing rebate structure for tourism development.
HB 84 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Covington County's Judge of Probate to handle certain types of cases (like property disputes or family matters) concurrently with the circuit court, but only if the judge is licensed to practice law in Alabama. This would give the probate judge the same legal authority as a circuit court judge in those cases, treating them identically to circuit court filings. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage and would apply specifically to Covington County cases originally filed in probate court. It does not change how other counties or courts operate.
HB 93 makes it unenforceable for any agreement (like settlements, employment contracts, or confidentiality clauses) to prohibit disclosing sexual abuse incidents or related facts. This applies to agreements entered into on or after October 1, 2026, and only affects the disclosure-related parts of such agreements - not other terms like payment. The law defines "sexual abuse" broadly to include specific criminal violations under Alabama law. It directly affects individuals and entities entering agreements involving sexual abuse, ensuring survivors can discuss their experiences without legal penalties.
SB 12 repeals Act 2025-294, which had allowed a specific community development district in a dry county to be annexed by a nearby wet municipality. This bill directly affects the designated community development district and the wet municipality that could have annexed it under the repealed law. The repeal removes the authorization for this specific annexation process but does not change the existing rule that allows dry counties to create districts where alcohol sales are permitted. The bill does not alter general alcohol sales rules in dry counties. The repeal is procedural and would take effect immediately upon passage.
SB 21 proposes amending Alabama's constitution to require all listed state and local officials to be natural-born U.S. citizens, replacing current requirements that some offices only need U.S. citizenship for a specified period (e.g., 10 years for Governor). It would affect 16 positions including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Supreme Court justices, judges, legislators, county sheriffs, district attorneys, and state auditors. The bill eliminates existing residency-based citizenship timelines and mandates natural-born status for all these offices. This constitutional amendment is currently pending committee review in the Alabama Senate.
SR 22 is a Senate resolution establishing a "Special Order Calendar" for the Alabama Legislature. It directs that specific pending bills (including SB104, SB8, SB168, and others) take precedence on the legislative calendar for the sixth day of session, overriding regular business. This procedural resolution does not change any policy but sets the order in which these bills will be considered. It was adopted by the Senate on January 22, 2026.
HR 49 is a ceremonial resolution honoring John Bradford, a former educator and community member from Montgomery, Alabama, who died on January 15, 2026. The resolution formally records the Alabama House of Representatives' "deep sadness" over his death while celebrating his life, including his work as a teacher, mathematics professor at Alabama State University, and service in his church and community. It has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is a commemorative gesture with no legislative effect. The resolution was introduced on January 22, 2026, and referred to committee under Joint Rule 11.
HR 52 is a ceremonial resolution commending Sheriff Matthew Wade of Calhoun County for his retirement after a 28-year law enforcement career. It honors his service as a correctional officer, deputy, and sheriff (serving three terms since 2016), his historic achievements as the first from his office to graduate from the FBI National Academy and DHS Leadership Academy, and his role as president of the Alabama Sheriffs Association. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies - it simply expresses the Alabama House's formal gratitude for his "distinguished service" and "exemplary law enforcement service." It is purely symbolic, with no concrete policy changes or direct impact on constituents beyond recognition.
This resolution (HR 44) commends Birmingham Police Lieutenant Rebeca Herrera for her 20+ years of service and retirement effective January 23, 2026. It formally recognizes her career path - including roles as a South Precinct Officer, Vice/Narcotics Detective, and Commander of the Special Victims Unit - and highlights her historic 2015 promotion alongside her husband as the first married couple promoted simultaneously to sergeant in Birmingham Police Department history. The resolution expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' "profound appreciation" and "heartfelt gratitude" for her service to Birmingham citizens. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policies.
HB 316 requires parents or legal guardians to store firearms securely (e.g., in a locked safe or with a trigger lock) to prevent minors from accessing them. If a minor unlawfully possesses a firearm on public school grounds due to the parent/guardian's failure to store it safely, the parent or guardian faces a Class A misdemeanor charge. The law includes exceptions, such as for minors possessing firearms under specific legal provisions or when firearms are in school parking areas. This bill directly affects parents and guardians of minors in Alabama, with effective dates starting October 1, 2026.
This resolution commends the City of Florence and its Office of Planning and Community Development for receiving the 2026 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award. The award recognizes their Literacy Gardens project at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, which created two free, public outdoor learning spaces (a Children's Garden for ages birth-10 and a Reading Garden for teens/adults) using $120,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds leveraged with over $250,000 in private donations. The project addresses barriers like limited broadband access and lack of safe educational spaces for low- to moderate-income residents by providing technology-enabled, accessible areas for learning and community connection. The resolution serves as a formal expression of praise without enacting new policy or creating legal obligations.
