HB 108 extends the time limit for victims to file civil lawsuits against the actual perpetrator of certain sex offenses. Currently, victims with disabilities (like minors) have six years after their disability ends to sue; this bill adds that victims can instead file within 20 years after disability ends or two years after the perpetrator’s criminal conviction, whichever is later. It also pauses the clock during ongoing criminal cases. The bill directly affects victims of sex offenses who were minors or had disabilities at the time of the offense, specifically when suing the alleged perpetrator. This change applies only to civil actions against the perpetrator, not other parties like employers.
SB 68 would change Alabama's retirement system to provide full retirement benefits for firefighters and law enforcement officers who are permanently and totally disabled due to line-of-duty injuries, regardless of their specific retirement tier or years of service in the system. Currently, these first responders must meet certain service requirements to qualify for full benefits, but this bill removes those barriers. The policy change applies retroactively to January 1, 2023, ensuring eligible individuals receive full benefits for past service. This directly affects Alabama first responders who became disabled while performing their duties.
SB 116 allows Alabama circuit clerks who independently qualify for both a part-time retirement program (supernumerary program) and the Employees' Retirement System to participate in both, provided the retirement benefits are based on separate years of service. Currently, circuit clerks cannot participate in both programs simultaneously. The bill amends Alabama law to permit this dual participation for eligible clerks, effective July 1, 2026. This change directly affects circuit clerks meeting the separate service-year requirements for both retirement options.
HB 172 clarifies food labeling rules in Alabama by defining key terms: an "artificial ingredient" is synthetically created or modified by humans, while a "natural ingredient" contains no synthetic chemicals normally not expected in that ingredient. The bill explicitly prohibits food manufacturers from labeling products as "all-natural" or "only natural ingredients" if they contain any artificial ingredient. This directly affects food companies that use "natural" claims on packaging, requiring them to ensure all ingredients meet the new definition. The change amends existing misbranding laws (Code §20-1-25) to prevent misleading consumer claims about ingredient composition.
HB 162 prohibits Alabama state agencies from creating or modifying environmental rules that set stricter standards than federal requirements for issues like air quality, water pollution, drinking water, hazardous waste, or contaminated sites. If no federal standard exists for a specific environmental issue, the bill requires agencies to base any new rule on "best available science" with a demonstrated causal link to proven human harm (like diagnosable disease), not just potential risk. The law exempts rules required by federal law, less strict rules, or emergency rules. This bill directly affects Alabama environmental agencies (like the DEP) and industries subject to environmental regulations, limiting their ability to enact stricter local standards without scientific justification.
HB 115 replaces Alabama's existing rural physician tax credit with a new program. It ends the current $5,000 annual credit (set to expire in 2028) by moving the termination date to December 31, 2026, while allowing physicians who used the old credit for fewer than five years to continue claiming it under the new rules through 2026. The new credit provides $10,000 annually for up to four years (for tax years 2027-2031) to physicians practicing in defined rural communities (populations under 75,000, including small municipalities or unincorporated areas). Physicians must apply through the Alabama Statewide Area Health Education Center Program Office, which verifies eligibility and issues certification before claiming the credit.
HB 171 would require social media platforms to implement age verification or obtain parental consent before allowing minors under 18 to access algorithmically curated content streams ("addictive feeds"). It prohibits platforms from sending notifications to minors between midnight and 6 a.m. and mandates disclosure of how algorithms prioritize content. The bill authorizes Alabama's Attorney General to enforce these rules, allowing platforms to correct violations before legal action. This legislation directly affects social media operators hosting such feeds in Alabama and applies to users under 18, though it remains pending committee review.
HB 113 requires licensed firearm dealers in Alabama to accept returns of firearms sold with faulty conditions (such as defects impairing safety or function during normal use) within three days of purchase. Consumers can exchange defective firearms for a firearm of the same make and model, if available, and must provide video proof of the defect if it cannot be safely demonstrated in-store. The bill defines "faulty condition" to exclude damage from user abuse, modification, or accidents after purchase. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and directly affects consumers who buy defective firearms and licensed dealers who must implement this return policy.
HB 129 would amend Alabama law to allow licensed midwives to administer certain newborn screening tests for diseases, which they currently can only order. This change directly affects licensed midwives providing care outside hospitals and the newborns under their care, aligning with the state's Newborn Screening Program. The bill updates Section 34-19-16 to permit midwives to both order and administer these tests (as specified in Section 22-20-3) without requiring referral to another provider. The policy change aims to streamline screening access for families using midwifery services in non-hospital settings, with the law set to take effect October 1, 2026.
SB 50 prohibits law enforcement officers in Alabama from using tasers on individuals who are restrained, such as those in handcuffs or other restraints. It directly affects officers by banning taser use when a person cannot resist, including during arrest or custody. The bill defines "restrained" to cover individuals secured with handcuffs, body cuffs, or similar devices, and explicitly overrides existing law (Section 13A-3-27) regarding taser use. This policy change would take effect on October 1, 2026, if enacted.
SB 135 creates the Alabama Retirement Savings Program to help private sector employees at small businesses (with 500 or fewer employees) save for retirement. The program allows eligible employees to voluntarily contribute to retirement savings through payroll deductions into Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), without requiring employers to offer or mandate participation. Administered by the Alabama Department of Workforce, the program uses existing IRA structures to provide a low-cost, portable savings option, with contributions held in a separate state fund that cannot be commingled with public monies. Employees directly benefit by accessing retirement savings tools they might otherwise lack, while employers avoid significant administrative or financial burdens.
HB 120 extends the deadline for survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits in Alabama. It allows claims to be filed up to 20 years after the survivor turns 19 or two years after the perpetrator's criminal conviction (whichever is later), and revives certain time-barred claims by January 1, 2029. The bill removes legal barriers like notice-of-claim requirements, damage caps, and immunity protections for claims against perpetrators or negligent organizations (e.g., schools or care facilities) that failed to prevent abuse. It applies to abuse occurring on or after October 1, 2026, and tolls the statute during criminal investigations and appeals. The bill is titled the "Hidden Predators Act" and aims to provide survivors greater access to civil justice.
