This is a commemorative resolution (HR 8), not a policy bill. The Alabama House of Representatives passed it to mourn the death and celebrate the life of Donald Jones, a community member, family man, and longtime church leader. It honors his 37-year career at U.S. Steel, his work as a small business owner, and his dedication to his family and faith. The resolution has no policy impact or affected parties - it is purely a symbolic expression of respect.
HB 127 protects pharmacists from disciplinary action by the State Board of Pharmacy or employers for recommending or dispensing drugs for off-label uses (using a drug in a way not approved by the FDA, based on a healthcare provider’s prescription). It also prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from retaliating against pharmacists or their employers for such actions and allows pharmacists to sue if terminated for this reason. The bill additionally permits over-the-counter sales of Ivermectin (for human use) and Hydroxychloroquine without a prescription. These changes apply to pharmacists and pharmacies in Alabama, excluding controlled substances. The bill is pending in the House Health Committee as of January 2026.
HB 99 establishes a "Guardianship Bill of Rights" for adults in Alabama under court-appointed guardianship. It directly affects adults with guardians by guaranteeing them specific rights: access to justice (including a lawyer who advocates for their choices and participation in court hearings), core human rights (dignity, freedom from abuse, privacy), and decision-making control (like involvement in care plans and managing personal property). Key provisions require guardians to respect the adult's preferences, allow participation in decisions, provide communication accommodations, and maintain confidentiality unless necessary for safety. The bill supplements existing laws and takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 82 would eliminate the requirement for rural healthcare providers to obtain state approval (a "certificate of need") before building new facilities or expanding services. This directly affects rural hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers seeking to grow or establish operations in designated rural areas. The bill maintains a requirement for these rural providers to submit reports to the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA). It also makes minor technical updates to existing healthcare regulations to remove outdated language.
SB 51 establishes that Alabama residents have the right to access FDA-approved contraceptives and that healthcare providers (including doctors, pharmacists, and clinics) have the right to dispense them and provide related information. The bill prohibits state agencies, local governments, and officials from enforcing any law, rule, or policy that restricts access to these contraceptives or interferes with their distribution. It allows the Attorney General, healthcare providers, or affected individuals to file lawsuits to stop such enforcement through civil actions. This law directly affects Alabama residents seeking contraception, healthcare providers offering these services, and state/local governments implementing policies related to contraceptive access. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 112 extends the existence of Alabama's Massage Therapy Licensing Board until October 1, 2027, while reorganizing it as a division within the Alabama Department of Public Health. The bill requires the Department to provide all administrative services (like financial, legal, and IT support) for the board and authorizes the State Health Officer to appoint an executive director and outside counsel. This change transfers the board’s property and responsibilities to the Department, streamlining oversight for massage therapists, schools, and establishments licensed under Alabama law. The bill does not alter existing licensing standards or practice regulations.
HB 180 changes Conecuh County's selection process for its superintendent of education from an elected position to an appointed one, effective June 1, 2026. The Conecuh County Board of Education will appoint the superintendent, who must meet state qualifications and perform all duties outlined in general law, with compensation set annually by the board from county school funds. The bill repeals two older local laws (1923 and 1959) that previously governed the elected role. This change directly affects Conecuh County's public school leadership structure and governance.
HB 195 proposes changes to Alabama's licensing requirements for water well drillers and related service providers. It creates two license types: an unrestricted license ($1,000 fee) for full well drilling and pump work, and a restricted license ($500 fee) for specific activities like certain well types or pump maintenance. The bill increases annual licensing fees significantly, changes license validity from one year to two years (starting October 2026), and requires licensees to complete continuing education. This directly affects individuals and businesses performing well drilling, pump installation, repair, or related activities across Alabama.
SB 111 creates the "Prepare Alabama Investment Program" to fund trade schools and vocational programs through state tax credits. It allows individuals and businesses to claim tax credits against Alabama income, excise, premium, or utility taxes when donating to eligible trade schools, community foundations, or workforce programs. These donations must be used exclusively for constructing, maintaining, or upgrading facilities that support career technical education. The program is overseen by a board within the Alabama Department of Workforce, which certifies eligible entities and publishes approved recipients annually.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), not a law. It formally commends Mountain Brook Police Officer Richard Knecht for receiving the Safe Schools Leadership Award at the Alabama Association of School Resource Officers conference in June 2025. The resolution highlights his eight years as a School Resource Officer at Mountain Brook High School, his recognition as a TAASRO School Safety Specialist (one of only 15 statewide), and his additional work creating an Autism Awareness patch. It does not create any new policy, funding, or legal obligations - it is solely a formal expression of appreciation from the Alabama House of Representatives.
HB 170 requires content creators to establish a trust for minors under 19 featured in social media content when specific compensation thresholds are met. It mandates that content creators calculate and transfer a portion of earnings from the minor's featured content into the trust, with funds becoming accessible to the minor upon turning 19. The bill creates legal causes of action against non-compliant content creators, trustees, or parents/guardians, and requires social media companies to enable minors to request removal of their childhood content. It exempts minors with employment contracts with content creators and prohibits parents/guardians from accessing trust funds before age 19.
SB 53 requires Alabama courts to delay (continue) criminal and civil cases when a party, their lead attorney, or a key witness is on active military duty (including National Guard). In criminal cases where a continuance is granted for military absence, the bill mandates that bail be set for the defendant (with exceptions for violent offenses or capital crimes). The law also specifies that witnesses must be material, located outside the state, and that military testimony requests must follow federal guidelines. This bill, pending in the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee, would take effect October 1, 2026, and requires the Alabama Supreme Court to update its rules to align with these changes.
