HJR 25 is a ceremonial resolution designating April 5, 2026, as "Booker T. Washington Day" in Alabama. It formally recognizes the contributions of Booker T. Washington, an influential African American educator and leader, particularly his role as the first president of Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama. The resolution celebrates his advocacy for industrial-vocational education, economic self-reliance, and his broader impact on African American advancement. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals.
HJR 28 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Mountain Brook, Alabama Police Officer Richard Knecht for receiving the Safe Schools Leadership Award at the 2025 Alabama Association of School Resource Officers (TAASRO) conference. It honors his eight years as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Mountain Brook High School, his designation as a TAASRO School Safety Specialist (one of only 15 statewide), and his service as a TAASRO Board Member. The resolution expresses legislative commendation for his dedication to school safety and community service, with no new policy or funding changes. This is a purely symbolic honor with no legislative effect beyond recognition.
HR 24 is a resolution by the Alabama House of Representatives that congratulates and honors First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, on the dedication of its new sanctuary on January 25, 2026. It recognizes the church's 146-year history of community service since its founding in 1880, including its recent renovation after a 2023 flood. The resolution expresses appreciation for the church's role in fostering community and faith but does not create new laws or policies. It is a ceremonial gesture with no direct impact on legislation or affected parties.
HB 262 restricts historical racing wagering (computerized betting on past horse races) to six specific locations in Alabama: Greene, Jefferson, Macon, Mobile, Houston, and Lowndes counties. It replaces the existing 1% state tax on pari-mutuel pools with a new 4% tax on net revenues from historical racing operations, and repeals multiple local taxes previously levied in Greene, Macon, and Mobile counties. Operators must pay the new tax monthly to the Alabama Department of Revenue, and this tax supersedes all other state and local taxes for historical racing activities. The changes take effect on October 1, 2026, and do not affect taxes for live horse racing or simulcast events.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HR 23), not a policy bill. It formally commends Ricky Dan Harcrow for his retirement from the DeKalb County Commission after decades of service, including 16 years as Commission President. The resolution recognizes his 30+ years in local government, leadership roles (mayor of Ider, Alabama County Commissioners Association President), and contributions to DeKalb County's development. It has no policy impact or funding changes - it serves solely as a formal tribute from the Alabama House of Representatives.
This is a procedural resolution (not a substantive bill) that sets a priority schedule for the Alabama Senate. It designates specific bills (like SB12 on community development districts and SB19 on prostate cancer screening coverage) to be considered immediately on the third legislative day, overriding regular business. The resolution does not change laws or affect constituents directly - it only organizes the Senate's agenda. The listed bills remain pending for debate and voting under this special order.
This resolution (HR 30) names the gymnasium at Clarke County High School in honor of Coach Earl M. Horn. It directly commemorates his 34-year career as a teacher and coach at the school, including his leadership in basketball and football. The resolution recognizes his legacy as a respected educator, Korean War veteran, and mentor who influenced generations of students. The bill has no policy impact beyond this symbolic naming.
SB 171 establishes Alabama's first state minimum wage at $10.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects most employers by requiring them to pay this rate, but exempts small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. The bill sets a clear threshold for the exemption and aligns with the current federal minimum wage of $7.25. This legislation will take effect on October 1, 2026, with the wage requirement beginning in 2027.
HB 252 requires political action committees (PACs) and principal campaign committees in Alabama to hold all campaign contributions in federally insured financial institutions (like FDIC-insured banks). This amendment to Alabama's Fair Campaign Practices Act specifies that contributions, including any investment proceeds, must be deposited and maintained in such institutions, directly affecting campaign finance committees. The bill does not change how funds can be spent but mandates that all campaign funds be held in accounts backed by federal insurance for safety. It amends Section 17-5-6 of the Alabama Code and takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 260 updates Alabama's condominium laws to strengthen owner protections and dispute resolution. It prohibits using consents, waivers, or powers of attorney to amend a condominium declaration (expanding an existing rule that already banned powers of attorney). The bill allows condo associations to intervene in arbitration and mediation (not just court lawsuits) and gives courts authority to use remedies like injunctions or reformation for declaration disputes. It also includes minor technical updates to align the code with current language. The bill directly affects condominium owners, associations, and property developers in Alabama.
HB 19 creates a rebuttable presumption that joint legal custody and substantial parenting time with both parents is in the best interest of a child, except in cases involving domestic or family violence. If a court denies joint custody, it must provide specific written findings explaining why the presumption was overcome. The final custody order must address details like holiday schedules, communication between parents and the child, child support, and access to the child’s medical and school records. The bill also removes the requirement for parents to submit a written parenting agreement, allowing courts to establish these terms if parents cannot agree.
SB 157 (Alabama) changes how law enforcement body-worn and dashboard camera footage is handled. Currently, such recordings can only be shared with people pictured or their personal representatives. This bill makes that footage a public record, meaning anyone can request it for inspection, subject to limited exceptions like ongoing investigations. Law enforcement agencies must respond to requests within 30 days or explain denials, and individuals denied access can appeal to a court. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
