HB 521 addresses the distribution, retail sale, and taxation of mixed spirit beverages. It establishes a state tax for these products that replaces other state, county, or municipal taxes previously based on sales volume. The bill limits counties' ability to levy license or privilege taxes, stating these cannot be measured by sales volume and must not exceed one-half of the state license fee. Municipalities retain the authority to issue business licenses for mixed spirit beverage wholesalers, importers, or retailers, but these licenses also cannot be based on sales volume.
HB 479 revises how Alabama maintains its statewide voter registration list by removing the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) as a database for identifying voter address changes. The bill requires the Secretary of State to conduct voter list maintenance through the "Alabama Voter Integrity Database" and continue using the U.S. Postal Service's change-of-address information. It outlines procedures for election officials to verify voter addresses by mail, updating records or changing a voter's status to inactive if they do not respond. The bill affects registered voters and state election officials responsible for maintaining accurate voter rolls. Additionally, it allows the Secretary of State to share information with other states for list maintenance purposes.
HB 161 authorizes county and municipal governing bodies to establish permitting and inspection programs for non-residential buildings. It directs the Division of Construction Management to review and potentially update state building codes every six years, beginning in 2027, to align with international model building codes. The bill specifies that these provisions generally do not apply to residential buildings, certain agricultural structures, or licensed healthcare facilities, which may follow their own regulations. Additionally, it sets minimum standards for energy codes and clarifies requirements for professional seals on certain construction documents.
HR 314 is a ceremonial resolution by the House of Representatives that mourns the death and celebrates the life of Reverend Dr. William McKinley Norwood, Sr. It offers a tribute to his extensive service as a pastor and community leader, and expresses heartfelt sympathy to his family.
SB 118 proposes a constitutional amendment in Alabama that would expand the list of offenses for which a judge can deny bail before conviction. Currently, the state constitution outlines specific crimes where bail is not guaranteed. This bill would add certain offenses related to the unlawful use or possession of a firearm to this list. Additionally, it would allow judges to deny bail for any solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses already on the list, or those added by this amendment. If passed by the legislature, Alabama voters would decide on this change in the 2026 statewide primary election.
HB 617 creates new procedures for managing and selling abandoned digital assets, such as virtual currencies or cryptocurrencies. It defines these assets as abandoned if they are unclaimed by the owner for three years after certain conditions, like undelivered communications or lack of account activity. The bill authorizes the State Treasurer to select a qualified custodian to hold these abandoned digital assets on behalf of the state. After two years, the State Treasurer may sell these assets at prevailing market prices or through commercially reasonable methods.
HJR 289 creates the Study Commission on the Sale of Naming Rights to State-Owned Land, Properties, and Buildings. This commission is tasked with evaluating the potential for the state to generate revenue by selling naming rights to its properties. It will examine the economic and fiscal impacts, how revenue would be managed, and any potential environmental considerations. Composed of legislative members, state officials, and appointed experts, the commission must submit a report with legislative recommendations to the Legislature by the fifth day of the 2026 Regular Session.
HB 526 modifies the allowed uses and distribution of funds from the Alabama 21st Century Fund. It establishes that the Alabama 21st Century Authority must maintain a specific debt service reserve. Funds exceeding this reserve can be used for defined project costs and to pay debt service on certain bonds. Additionally, the bill authorizes a one-time transfer of $5,000,000 from the fund to the Alabama Department of Commerce for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. These funds are designated for establishing international offices, enhancing rural development strategies, and covering related operational and personnel costs.
Senate Resolution 81 (SR 81) establishes a special order calendar for the twenty-fifth legislative day, specifying a list of bills to be considered with priority. This procedural resolution dictates the order of business for the Alabama Senate on that particular day, ensuring certain legislative measures take precedence over the regular agenda.
Senate Bill 262 permits pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast past events and live horse and dog races exclusively within Lowndes County. The bill establishes conditions for this wagering and implements a tax on the revenue generated. Funds collected from this tax are designated for distribution to several programs. Specifically, portions are allocated to Education, the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP), and a local council.
HB 69 establishes new state criminal penalties within Class 1 municipalities for various firearm-related offenses. The bill makes it a Class B felony for individuals federally prohibited from owning firearms to possess them, or for anyone to knowingly transfer firearms to such prohibited persons. It also creates Class B felony penalties for possessing stolen firearms or ammunition. Additionally, the bill prohibits the possession of specific types of firearms or accessories, including short-barreled rifles/shotguns, machineguns, or firearm silencers, within these municipalities, with exceptions for those compliant with federal law.
HR 283 is a resolution that celebrates the 2025 Forte Family Reunion, which is scheduled to take place in Eufaula, Alabama, from July 11 to 13. The resolution extends joyful felicitations and best wishes to the Forte Family for a successful gathering.
