SB 13 would exempt Alabama poultry producers from paying state utility taxes on natural gas, propane, or electricity used specifically for heating poultry houses. The bill amends existing tax code sections to explicitly add poultry house heating to the list of exempt energy uses, removing a current tax burden on this operational cost. This change directly affects poultry farms by reducing their energy expenses for maintaining proper temperatures in housing facilities. The exemption would apply to energy purchased and consumed directly for heating purposes, effective September 1, 2026, pending legislative approval.
This bill amends Alabama's 2017 Memorial Preservation Act to strengthen protections for historic memorials on public property. It requires governments replacing memorial buildings to either keep the original name or install a marker honoring the original name or purpose. The bill also establishes that waiver requests for altering memorials are automatically denied if the committee fails to act within 90 days, and revises penalties to $25,000 per day for violations (up from $5,000). These changes apply to all governmental entities managing public memorials, including streets, monuments, and buildings designated as historically significant.
HB 23 prohibits public preK-12 teachers and staff from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation in classrooms for all grade levels (expanding current K-5 restrictions to all grades). It bans displaying LGBTQ+ flags or symbols on school property and requires staff to use pronouns matching a student's biological sex at birth. The bill directly affects all Alabama public school students, teachers, and staff in preK-12 settings. If enacted, it would take effect July 1, 2026, with the State Board of Education tasked with implementing enforcement rules.
SB 18 would impose a new 4% state tax on net gambling revenues from historical horse racing pari-mutuel wagering operations. It applies specifically to licensed businesses running historical horse racing betting, replacing their existing privilege taxes with this single rate. The tax base excludes free bets, promotional credits, and prize payouts, while explicitly preserving current tax structures for live horse racing, greyhound racing, and simulcast operations. The bill does not authorize new gambling activities or alter existing legal gambling frameworks.
SB 17 amends Alabama law to make rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual torture capital offenses when the victim is under 12 years old. It also requires that individuals convicted of these crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment serve a minimum of 30 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. The bill directly affects perpetrators of these specific sexual offenses against children under 12, altering their sentencing from Class A felonies to capital offenses. These changes would apply to cases involving victims younger than 12, as specified in the proposed amendments to Alabama's criminal code. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
SB 14 exempts local school boards and certain public procurement units from standard competitive bidding requirements when purchasing specific materials and equipment for public works projects. This change directly affects school districts and public procurement agencies in Alabama, removing the need for sealed bids for these exempt items. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 39-2-2 to clarify that these purchases are excluded from the usual $100,000+ bidding threshold and advertising rules. It does not alter the general competitive bidding requirements for other public works contracts. The exemption applies only to specified equipment purchases, not to broader project management or construction services.
HB 44 requires Alabama's Department of Human Resources to request a federal waiver from the USDA to allow SNAP (food stamp) benefits to purchase hot rotisserie chickens. If approved, the department would permit SNAP recipients to buy these chickens at retailers. The bill mandates annual resubmission of the waiver request if initially denied, without changing federal SNAP rules directly. This affects Alabama SNAP beneficiaries who currently cannot use benefits for prepared hot foods like rotisserie chickens.
HB 45 allows disabled voters in Alabama to designate a trusted person to deliver their absentee ballot application to election officials. This directly affects voters with disabilities who cannot personally submit their applications. The bill defines "disability" as a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting major life activities and amends election code to permit this designee delivery method. It does not change how absentee ballots themselves are handled or delivered.
HB 47 would require the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to license makeup artists and permit lash/brow artists, expanding the board's regulatory scope. It establishes specific qualifications for both professions, including training requirements, and creates exemptions for certain services. The bill also authorizes mobile beauty studios to operate under the board's rules and defines key terms like "makeup application" (excluding microblading) and "lash/brow application" (excluding microblading). This bill directly affects current and future makeup artists, lash/brow artists, and mobile beauty businesses operating in Alabama. The bill is pending committee review in the Alabama House of Representatives.
HB 49, the "Nursing Mother's Act," requires all Alabama employers (including state agencies) to provide employees with reasonable unpaid break time or the option to use existing paid breaks for expressing breast milk, and to offer a private, non-bathroom space near the work area. Employers must make reasonable efforts to accommodate this without causing undue hardship to their operations, and cannot discriminate against employees who use this provision. The bill does not mandate new construction for breastfeeding spaces but ensures privacy during breaks. It would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
HB 46 would expand abortion access in Alabama by adding two new exceptions: abortions necessary to preserve a mother's health (beyond current medical emergency standards) and abortions resulting from rape or incest. It requires men convicted of rape or incest that caused a pregnancy to pay for the abortion and related medical costs, and to undergo a vasectomy or castration. Mothers seeking abortions for health reasons could petition courts to compel the father to cover all pregnancy and abortion expenses, while fathers could avoid payment by agreeing to a vasectomy. The bill also establishes court procedures for resolving paternity disputes related to these financial obligations. (Note: This bill is pending review by the House Health Committee as of January 2026.)
HB 58 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. It mandates that in criminal cases, bail must be set for defendants when the state secures such a delay, except for violent offenses or capital charges. The bill also requires courts to delay cases if a military witness is unavailable, provided they're material, outside the state, and a request was made per federal law (5 U.S.C. § 301). Civil cases follow similar delay rules but do not require bail setting. The Alabama Supreme Court must update its rules to align with these changes, effective October 1, 2026.
