Alabama Bills

SB 89 requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to check for outstanding arrest warrants for inmates at several key points, including during intake, prior to work release or parole supervision, and 90 days before release. If a warrant is found, the DOC must serve it, notify the issuing authority, and facilitate virtual court hearings for the inmate when technically possible. The bill also mandates that the Board of Pardons and Paroles check for outstanding warrants when an inmate is considered for parole, providing notification to relevant authorities if a warrant exists. This aims to ensure that inmates with outstanding warrants are identified and processed while still in custody.

HB 176 proposes to amend existing sales tax law. Currently, certain ophthalmic materials are subject to sales and use tax. This bill would exempt the sale of optical aids, specifically eyeglasses and contact lenses, from both state and local sales and use taxes. This change would directly affect consumers purchasing these vision correction items, as they would no longer pay sales tax on them.

HB 298 modifies the composition of athletic associations' governing bodies. The bill mandates that these associations include two new non-voting members: one from the House of Representatives' minority party, appointed by the Speaker, and one from the Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tempore. This change directly affects athletic associations, likely those overseeing public school sports, by adding legislative representation to their governing structure.

This bill establishes new procedures for restoring voting rights for individuals with felony convictions in Alabama. It requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Secretary of State to jointly develop and post an online explanation and application form for voting rights restoration by September 2026. The Board of Pardons and Paroles must notify the Secretary of State when an individual's rights are restored, including their address and the restoration date. The Secretary of State then informs the individual and their county board of registrars, which adds the individual's name to the poll list and notifies them of their eligibility to vote.

SB 117 authorizes Class 1, 2, or 3 municipalities to enter into memorandums of understanding with county sheriffs concerning traffic enforcement. These agreements would allow for collaboration between municipal and county law enforcement on traffic matters. The bill also permits these memorandums to include provisions for additional fees for traffic violations within the municipality. These additional fees would then be distributed to the sheriff's office for general law enforcement purposes in the county.

HB 389 proposes changes to Alabama's individual income tax laws. The bill aims to reduce the income tax burden for residents and nonresidents by increasing the optional standard deduction. It also expands the adjusted gross income range within which taxpayers can claim the maximum optional standard deduction. Additionally, the bill broadens the adjusted gross income range for the maximum dependent exemption. These combined provisions are intended to raise the income threshold at which the state imposes individual income taxes.

SB 34 mandates that public K-12 students receive instruction in violence prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation. This requirement will apply to students beginning with those entering middle school in the 2026-2027 school year. Students must complete this instruction before graduating from high school. The bill also requires the State Board of Education to adopt specific standards for this curriculum.

HR 326 is a resolution that proclaims May 4, 2025, as Robert Shwartzman Day in the State of Alabama. This designation recognizes Robert Shwartzman's achievements in professional motorsports and his role in inspiring young athletes.

SB 324 proposes changes to the Pardons and Paroles Board, affecting its structure and how parole is considered. The bill aims to increase the number of board members and revise the process for selecting its chair. It also intends to establish new guidelines for parole consideration following a denial. Specific provisions include amending the process for filling board vacancies by requiring a majority vote to select five names, and adjusting the start

HB 513 establishes the Alabama Background Check Service and the Alabama Rap Back Program. The bill authorizes the collection, dissemination, and use of biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints, photographs, palm prints, and iris scans, by certain entities. It also provides for specific types of background checks for non-criminal justice purposes, outlining their uses and associated fees. This legislation repeals existing laws concerning the release of criminal history information.

HB 567 amends existing law concerning tax increment districts for Class 2 municipalities. Currently, a municipality can generally include up to 10% of its total equalized taxable property in these districts. This bill would allow Class 2 municipalities to increase that limit to 50% of their total equalized taxable property. This change would align Class 2 municipalities with the higher limit currently available to Class 3 municipalities, enabling them to include more property in districts used to fund economic development projects.

HR 328 is a resolution that commends and congratulates the Pike Liberal Arts School Cheerleading Squad for their outstanding achievements, including winning the 2025 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship and the 2024 AHSAA 2A Gameday and Traditional State Championships. It recognizes the hard work and success of the cheerleading teams and their coaches.