HB 296 creates the Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act to regulate protections offered by rental platforms (like Airbnb) when renters cause property damage. It requires platforms operating in Alabama to register with the Insurance Commissioner, obtain insurance backing for guarantees, and clearly disclose that these guarantees are not insurance. The bill mandates specific language in guarantees stating that renters can claim directly from the insurer if the platform fails to pay within 180 days. The Insurance Commissioner gains enforcement power to investigate violations and impose fines. This directly affects rental platforms and protects renters who may need reimbursement for property damage.
SB 227 establishes a centralized Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within Alabama's Department of Workforce to oversee all existing licensing boards for professions like healthcare, construction, and cosmetology. It transfers the authority, assets, and staff of individual licensing boards to this new office, which will handle applications, fees, investigations, and enforcement under an appointed executive director. The bill maintains the validity of all current licenses and rules until updated by the new office, and creates a dedicated fund to collect and manage licensing fees for operational costs. This change affects licensed professionals who must now interact with the centralized office instead of separate boards, while ensuring continuity of existing licensing requirements.
SB 79 would amend Alabama's tax code to exclude employer contributions to "Trump Accounts" from an employee's taxable income, currently required to be included under federal law. It also makes permanent an existing exclusion for employer-paid amounts toward qualified education loans, which was set to expire. These changes directly affect Alabama individual taxpayers who receive such employer benefits. The bill updates Section 40-18-14 of the Alabama Code to reflect these tax exclusions without altering other tax provisions.
HB 318 would require Alabama law enforcement to notify parents or legal guardians electronically when their minor child (under age 19) is cited for a traffic infraction, expanding an existing tobacco violation notification rule. Parents must enroll by proving custody, and the system automatically ends when the minor turns 19. Minors can also opt out if they're married, living independently, emancipated, or parents themselves. The notification system requires available funding and would take effect October 1, 2026.
HB 91 would change how funds from court fees are used by Alabama sheriff's offices. Currently, money allocated to the sheriff's office from these fees can only cover jail operations. This bill expands that use to include all sheriff's office functions, such as patrols or investigations, for law enforcement purposes. The change would take effect on October 1, 2026, and directly affects all Alabama sheriffs' offices receiving these court fee funds.
HB 10 would amend Alabama law to remove specific minor offenses from the definition of "delinquent act" for 14- and 15-year-olds. Under this bill, nonfelony traffic violations (like speeding) or water safety offenses (like boating without a life jacket) committed by youth in this age group would no longer trigger juvenile court proceedings, except for offenses related to driving under the influence. This change directly affects 14- and 15-year-old Alabama residents who commit these minor violations, preventing their cases from entering the juvenile justice system. The bill targets a specific provision in Section 12-15-102 of Alabama Code, narrowing which acts qualify as delinquent for this age group.
HB 4 establishes the Alabama Broadband Investment Maximization Act, exempting purchases of broadband equipment and supplies for projects funded or administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) from state sales and use taxes. This directly affects ADECA-funded broadband infrastructure projects by reducing their costs. The exemption covers equipment like cables, antennas, and routers used for broadband services or internet access, but excludes personal devices such as smartphones and consumer routers. The tax exemption applies from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029, and does not extend to local county or municipal taxes unless specifically approved.
This is a ceremonial resolution commending Judge Jody W. Bishop for his retirement from the Alabama 28th Judicial Circuit. It formally recognizes his decades of service as a Circuit Court Judge, former Presiding District Judge, Municipal Judge, and Assistant District Attorney, highlighting his community involvement and professional dedication. The resolution does not create any new laws or policies - it is solely a formal expression of appreciation from the Alabama House of Representatives. It directly honors Judge Bishop but has no legal effect on any individuals or regulations.
HR 167 is a resolution passed by the Alabama House of Representatives to honor Carolyn Deerman upon her retirement after nearly 50 years of public service. It recognizes her work as an educator at Nelson Primary School and as Education Coordinator at Scottsboro's IMPACT Learning Center, where she expanded educational opportunities and community partnerships focused on workforce development and youth advancement. The resolution expresses gratitude for her dedication to improving lives in Scottsboro and Jackson County.
HR 168 is a resolution passed by the Alabama House of Representatives to commend Cathy Mitchell for her 24 years of service as Executive Director of the IMPACT Learning Center in Jackson County. It specifically recognizes her work expanding educational opportunities, including establishing pre-K programs, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (which delivered 70,000 books to young children), and community initiatives like adult computer classes and STEM Family Activity Nights. The resolution formally celebrates her retirement effective January 2026 and expresses gratitude for her dedication to improving education and community support in Scottsboro and Jackson County.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), commending Clarence Taylor for his 70th birthday and his 48 years of service as a funeral director. It recognizes his founding of Taylor Funeral Home in Phenix City, Alabama (the only Black-owned funeral home in the area offering grief support), his professional achievements, and his community service. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Alabama House of Representatives.
This resolution (HR 165) is a formal expression of condolence from the Alabama House of Representatives honoring Jerry McLaren Kelly, Sr., a Brewton, Alabama resident who died on February 1, 2026. It commemorates his life, highlighting his 65-year banking career at the Bank of Brewton, service as a U.S. Army paratrooper, 80+ years of involvement at the First Methodist Church, and decades of community leadership in Brewton. The resolution contains no policy changes or affected parties - it solely serves to mourn his passing and recognize his contributions to the community.
