HB 290 expands the definition of "critical infrastructure facility" to include communications service infrastructure, defense contractor facilities, and pulp and paper manufacturing facilities. It also further defines the criminal intent required for the crimes of unauthorized entry and criminal tampering at these facilities. Under this bill, unauthorized entry could result in a Class A misdemeanor. However, if a person intentionally causes damage, interrupts operations, or uses an armed drone during unauthorized entry, it could lead to a Class C felony.
House Bill 350 would exempt the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation from paying state sales and use taxes. It also allows counties and municipalities to choose to exempt this entity from local sales and use taxes through an adopted resolution or ordinance. This means the corporation would no longer pay state sales and use taxes, and could potentially be exempt from local sales and use taxes if local governing bodies approve. The bill is set to become effective on September 1, 2025.
HB 327 authorizes paid parental leave for eligible state employees, including those working for the State of Alabama, local education agencies, and the Alabama Community College System. The bill establishes eligibility parameters, such as a 12-consecutive-month employment requirement for Alabama Community College System employees before a qualifying event. It directs the State Personnel Department, State Board of Education, and Alabama Community College System to jointly adopt rules for implementing and administering this new parental leave policy. Additionally, employing agencies must provide written notice of this benefit to new hires.
House Bill 256 proposes to exempt Goodwill Industries of Southern Rivers from paying state sales and use taxes. This bill directly affects this specific non-profit organization by reducing their tax obligations at the state level. Additionally, it provides counties and municipalities with the option to grant the same exemption from local sales and use taxes. For local exemptions to apply, counties and municipalities would need to pass their own resolutions or ordinances. The bill is set to become effective on September 1, 2025.
HB 153 establishes the Alabama Veterans Resource Center as a public corporation to assist veterans and their families in Alabama with their transition to civilian life. The center aims to help with challenges such as accessing benefits, finding employment, and addressing mental health needs. It will be managed by a board of directors and is authorized to form public-private partnerships to leverage resources and expertise.
HB 246, also known as the "Free to Speak Act," affects public schools, colleges, and universities, their employees, and students. The bill prohibits employees from using a student's non-legal name or pronouns inconsistent with their biological sex without written parental permission. It protects employees from adverse employment action and students from disciplinary action if they decline to use such names or pronouns, or if they decline to identify their own pronouns. The bill defines "sex" as an individual's biological sex at birth. Individuals harmed by violations can pursue legal action against the public school or institution for injunctive relief and damages.
HB 523 revises the procedures for parole hearings conducted by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. It requires the Board to establish a minimum speaking time for advocates, ensuring equal time for those supporting and opposing an inmate's parole. The bill specifies who can speak at these hearings, including authorized representatives for inmates and victims, law enforcement, and legal officials. Additionally, it allows Board members to provide the basis for their parole decision if requested by an attendee. The Board must adopt rules to implement these changes, which will become effective on October 1, 2025.
HB 385 prohibits various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies in Alabama from acquiring real property through eminent domain. This includes entities such as the Alabama Surface Mining Reclamation Commission, Bear Creek Development Authority, and Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, among others subject to the Alabama Sunset Law. Effective June 1, 2025, these agencies will no longer possess the power to purchase or acquire land using eminent domain. However, the bill grandfathers in any real property that has already been acquired or is in the process of closing by that date.
HB 410 amends the state's Bail Reform Act and Bail Bond Regulatory Act, primarily affecting professional bail bond companies, sureties, and individuals involved in the bail process. The bill increases penalties for bail jumping and provides further regulations for conditional forfeitures and the qualifications of out-of-state bondsmen and property owners acting as sureties. It also modifies definitions for bail bond employees and apprentices, and establishes new licensing requirements, including a one-year residency for applicants and a late fee for renewals. Additionally, the bill forgives certain undeposited fees and increases the membership of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board.
HB 466 aims to enhance consumer protection regarding service contracts, which are agreements where a provider repairs, replaces, or refunds covered property. The bill requires advertisements for service contracts to disclose if a contract holder's refund could be less than the provider's cost to repair or replace the covered item. It also specifies additional limitations, exceptions, and exclusions of service contracts that must be disclosed to consumers. Finally, the bill includes technical updates to existing code language related to service contracts.
HB 344 modifies the process for educational intervention in local school boards. This bill authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to summon witnesses and subpoena records or information during an educational intervention. It also allows the State Superintendent to reinstate educational intervention for a local board of education if specific release conditions are not met within five years of the original release. This directly affects local city or county school boards that are under state intervention or have been released from it.
HB 575 authorizes any municipality in Baldwin County to operate automated photographic speeding enforcement systems. These systems can detect and record speeding violations exclusively within designated school zones and construction zones. The bill allows for civil fines up to $195, with a portion allocated to school resource officers, school safety plans, or zone safety programs. It also outlines requirements for municipalities to post warning signs and conduct public awareness campaigns, and establishes procedures for notifying vehicle owners of violations and contesting fines in municipal court.
