Alabama Bills

SB 220 authorizes the sheriff of Clay County to conduct fundraising events. The proceeds from these events can be used for any lawful purpose related to the operation of the sheriff's office. This act also validates any past fundraising actions taken by the sheriff that align with these provisions, becoming effective on October 1, 2025.

SB 65 proposes to alter and extend the official boundary lines of the Town of Paint Rock in Jackson County. The bill specifically adds two sections of U.S. Highway 72 and its right-of-way to the town's corporate limits, affecting residents and properties within those areas. One section extends from the town's eastern boundary to the Paint Rock River, and the other from its western boundary to the Jackson/Madison County line. A map detailing these changes is available for public review at the Jackson County Judge of Probate's office, and the act is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.

This bill authorizes Class 2 municipalities to enter into agreements with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to locally enforce the Alabama Scrap Tire Environmental Quality Act. Under these agreements, municipalities would be responsible for investigating scrap tire activities and reporting to ADEM. The bill grants municipal courts in Class 2 municipalities the authority to hear cases related to these violations. It also establishes specific criminal penalties, ranging from Class C to Class A misdemeanors, for individuals or businesses convicted of violating scrap tire regulations within these municipalities.

HR 271 is a commemorative resolution that mourns the untimely death of Travis Javon "Wooty" Jackson of Montgomery, Alabama. The resolution honors his life as a husband, father, and businessman, and extends profound sympathy to his family, friends, and community.

SB 335 adjusts the salaries for city council members in Class 1 municipalities, which includes cities like Birmingham. Starting November 3, 2025, each council member's annual salary will be set to the municipality's median household income, rounded up to the nearest thousand, based on U.S. Census Bureau data. This new salary will replace all other compensation and expense allowances previously provided by law. The bill also requires these municipalities to publish the council members' salaries on their official websites and repeals several existing laws related to city council compensation.

House Resolution 272 declares April 22, 2025, as "Alabama Links Day at the Capitol." This resolution recognizes the Alabama Chapters of The Links, Incorporated, a volunteer service organization, and their advocacy efforts on various community issues.

SB 340 prohibits electric and gas utilities from disconnecting residential customers under specific conditions. These protections apply during extreme heat (97°F or above) or cold (32°F or below), during a state of emergency, or when a household includes children under 12, elderly individuals, active military personnel, or veterans. Disconnections are also prohibited for medical hardships, for unpaid bill amounts under $100, or when a landlord is responsible for non-payment. The bill requires utilities to provide clear disconnection policies and a 10-day advance notice, and allows customers to seek civil damages and other remedies for violations.

SR 77 is a procedural resolution that establishes a special order of business for the twenty-fourth legislative day in the Senate. It dictates that specific legislative activities, such as the introduction of bills, committee reports, and particular bills like SB322 and SB278, will take precedence over the regular order of business for that day.

SB 342 aims to update the operations of local land bank authorities and how they acquire tax-delinquent properties. It shortens the redemption period for certain tax-delinquent properties and allows local governments or land banks to purchase these properties at auction without open market bids. The bill also authorizes the creation of multijurisdictional land bank authorities and provides a property tax exemption for properties they own. Furthermore, it allows local governments to allocate property tax revenues to land banks and permits the Governor to create land bank authorities during a state of emergency.

HB 604 expands the eligibility for distinctive motor vehicle license tags for veterans. Currently, only veterans exposed to radiation from atomic bomb and weapon testing between 1944 and 1962 are eligible for this tag. This bill would include additional categories of veterans who were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, such as those who directly participated in atomic weapon detonation or cleanup, or were exposed to ionizing radiation from operational use of atomic weapons during World War II. This allows more veterans who experienced radiation exposure during their service to receive a distinctive license plate.

House Bill 545 establishes specific fees for various services provided by the Judge of Probate in Escambia County. This bill directly affects residents of Escambia County who utilize probate court services such as probating a will, estate administration, name changes, guardianships, and adoptions. For example, it sets a fee of $105 for the probate of a will and $145 for guardianship services. These new fees will replace the general law fees for the listed services, while other services will continue to follow existing general law fee schedules. The changes are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025.

HB 178 requires public K-12 schools in Alabama to display the Ten Commandments in common areas and U.S. history classrooms, starting January 1, 2026. Each display must also include a statement of context and excerpts from certain foundational U.S. historical documents. Local boards of education are not mandated to use their own funds for these displays, as compliance is contingent on the availability of donated funds or materials. The State Department of Education is responsible for identifying and publicizing free resources to assist schools in meeting this requirement.