SB 180 would prohibit state and local government agencies from entering into contracts or agreements with "media monitoring organizations." These organizations are defined as companies that rate news sources for factual accuracy, misinformation, bias, or adherence to journalistic standards. The bill also prevents agencies from contracting with other companies that use the services of such media monitoring organizations, or from providing them support. Companies attempting to secure marketing contracts with an agency would be required to certify they do not use these services, and existing contractors would need to provide similar certification when modifying agreements. This act would become effective on October 1, 2025.
SB 282 proposes to exempt virtual currency, also known as cryptocurrency, from ad valorem taxation in Alabama. This means that individuals and entities owning virtual currency would no longer be subject to property taxes on these digital assets. The bill achieves this by amending Section 40-9-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which lists various types of property that are currently exempt from ad valorem taxes.
HR 349 is a resolution recognizing the importance of the Snowflake Hydrangea to the history of the City of Hoover and the State of Alabama. It celebrates the flower's botanical significance and its role in the state's cultural heritage. The resolution also honors the Aldridge family for their contributions to cultivating and promoting the Snowflake Hydrangea, including establishing Aldridge Gardens.
SB 272 prohibits city-established boards of water and sewer commissioners from restricting public recreational uses of water bodies they own or control. This means such boards cannot limit activities like fishing and boating on these water bodies. The bill amends existing state law to ensure the public retains access for recreation. It also includes minor technical updates to the code language.
SB 173 establishes the Alabama Retirement Savings Program, a state-facilitated initiative designed to help private sector employees save for retirement. This program targets Alabamians whose employers, specifically those with 500 or fewer employees, do not currently offer a retirement plan. It allows eligible employees to voluntarily contribute to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA) through automatic payroll deductions. The Alabama Department of Workforce will administer the program, which includes managing a dedicated fund and potentially contracting with private financial institutions. Participation in the program is not mandated for employers or employees.
SB 275 proposes to simplify regulations for mobile food vendors, including food trucks and carts. Currently, these vendors must obtain separate business licenses, health inspections, and fire inspections in every local jurisdiction where they temporarily operate. This bill would require vendors to meet all licensing and inspection requirements only in the jurisdiction where their permanent commissary, or home base, is located. Once approved there, they would be exempt from obtaining additional licenses or inspections when operating temporarily in other areas of the state, though they would still need to follow local zoning ordinances.
SB 157 allows inmates to participate in their parole hearings remotely, using systems like telephone or video conference, which is a change from existing law where inmates cannot attend. This directly affects inmates seeking parole and the Board of Pardons and Paroles. The bill also permits victims, their families, and other participants to attend these hearings virtually. A key provision states that inmates generally cannot hear or see victims' statements unless the victim or their family chooses to allow it. Inmates can waive their right to remote participation, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles determines the specific communication system used.
SB 160 establishes new conditions for counties and municipalities to adopt or rescind local sales and use tax exemptions. Under this bill, state-level sales tax exemptions would not automatically apply at the local level unless local governments pass a specific resolution or ordinance. These local resolutions must include an effective date of September 1 and a specified duration, with notice provided to the Alabama Department of Revenue by July 1. The bill also requires existing local exemptions to comply with these new conditions by September 1, 2025, or they will cease.
SB 215 modifies the process for local boards of education that are under state educational intervention. It grants the State Superintendent of Education the authority to summon witnesses and subpoena records during an intervention. The bill also allows the State Superintendent to reinstate educational intervention for a local board within five years if the specific conditions of its previous release were not satisfied. This changes existing law, which allowed for unconditional release from intervention and required new procedures to return a board to intervention.
Senate Bill 58 revises the age at which minors can consent to medical, dental, and mental health services, raising it from 14 to 18 years old. This includes consent for vaccines and school counseling, though exceptions exist for minors who are married, divorced, pregnant, emancipated, or living independently. Any minor may still consent to services related to pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and alcohol or drug dependency. The bill also establishes a parental fundamental right to make healthcare decisions for their minor child and generally prohibits denying parents access to their child's health information, with exceptions for court orders or investigations of crimes against the child. Additionally, it requires parental written permission for students under 18 to participate in ongoing school counseling services.
SB 247 regulates picketing and protesting by prohibiting certain activities. It bans the use of artificial noise amplification and nighttime protests at or near residences when done with the intent to harass, intimidate, or disturb occupants. The bill also makes it illegal to block public roads, residential entrances, or workplace entrances while picketing or protesting. Violations would result in criminal penalties, and law enforcement officers must first ask protesters to disperse before making an arrest. Additionally, counties and municipalities are allowed to adopt stricter local ordinances regarding the time and noise level of protests in residential areas.
SJR 80 establishes the Alabama Statewide Reentry Task Force, which builds upon the work of a previous commission. This task force aims to reduce recidivism and improve the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. It will include members from various state agencies, legislative bodies, local governments, and community organizations, including individuals with personal experience in the criminal justice system.
The task force is responsible for developing strategic plans, promoting partnerships, and advising the Legislature on expanding access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities for those returning from incarceration. It will submit annual progress reports and a final report by the 2030 Regular Session, at which point it will dissolve.
