This bill establishes a new county excise tax in Covington County on the retail sale of vapor products, vaping devices, alternative nicotine products, and psychoactive cannabinoids. The tax rate is set at 5% of the gross proceeds from sales of these products. Businesses selling these items are required to collect the tax from purchasers, and failure to do so or advertising tax absorption can result in a civil penalty of at least $250. All funds collected from this tax and any associated penalties will be deposited into the Covington County general fund. This act is scheduled to become effective on October 1, 2025.
HB 440 amends the law governing fire service fees in Mobile County, Alabama, primarily by expanding the definition of "residence" for fee collection. This bill directly affects property owners in the county by extending the requirement to pay these fees to owners of house trailers, manufactured homes, and lots in residential parks used for motor homes or recreational vehicles as dwellings. These fees are levied to support the establishment and maintenance of firefighting districts. The bill also includes some nonsubstantive updates to the code language.
HB 351 authorizes the Choctaw County Commission to increase the ad valorem (property) tax rate by an additional five mills on taxable property for five-year periods. This additional tax revenue would be used exclusively for county public roads and bridges in Choctaw County. The measure requires approval by a majority of qualified voters in a county-wide referendum, which would also approve specific road and bridge projects to be funded. The bill allows the county to issue warrants to finance these projects, using the new tax revenue for repayment. This bill directly affects property owners in Choctaw County, potentially increasing their taxes to fund local infrastructure improvements.
HB 179 authorizes local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to vote on whether to allow volunteer campus chaplains in their K-12 schools. If approved, these chaplains would be available to provide support, services, and programs at the request of any teacher. To qualify, volunteer chaplains must complete a recognized training program and undergo a criminal history background check. The bill specifically prohibits individuals convicted of offenses requiring sex offender registration from volunteering as campus chaplains.
HB 497 amends existing law concerning "weed liens" on properties in Shelby County, specifically the City of Alabaster. The bill clarifies that when a property with an outstanding weed lien is redeemed or sold by the state, the lien must be paid as part of that transaction. Upon full payment, the weed lien is extinguished. If the lien is not paid during a redemption or sale, it remains a valid and enforceable claim against the property until satisfied.
HB 168 modifies how local emergency management organizations in Alabama enter into agreements for emergency assistance. It transfers the authority to create these "mutual aid agreements" from the organization's director to its governing body. The bill also expands the scope of these agreements, allowing them to be used for general public peace and safety, not just large-scale disasters. Additionally, it ensures that employees from one political subdivision assisting another under such an agreement maintain their usual powers and immunities while working outside their home area.
This bill authorizes the Escambia County Sheriff to establish procedures for using credit or debit cards to make purchases for the Sheriff's Office. It directly affects the Escambia County Sheriff and their office by granting this new purchasing method. Key provisions require the sheriff to adopt written policies, including monetary limits for purchases, procedures for card access, accurate record-keeping, and timely bill payments. Any rewards or rebates earned from card use must be deposited into the Sheriff's Office discretionary account. The bill clarifies that it does not authorize spending beyond appropriated funds or creating debt for the county commission.
This bill authorizes the Sheriff of Lawrence County to use credit and debit cards for official purchases of tangible personal property and services. The sheriff must establish written policies, including monetary limits for individual and monthly spending, procedures for card access, and requirements for accurate record-keeping and timely bill payment. Any rewards or rebates earned from card use must be deposited into the Sheriff's Office discretionary account. Purchases are to be paid from the Sheriff's Discretionary Fund, with travel expenses potentially covered by the general fund budget, without exceeding appropriated amounts or creating debt for the county commission.
HB 393 authorizes the City Council of Alabaster to establish and regulate up to two entertainment districts, each not exceeding a half-mile square. Within these designated areas, businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption can obtain a special permit. This permit allows their patrons to carry open containers of alcoholic beverages within the entertainment district's boundaries. However, patrons cannot bring outside alcoholic beverages into the district or take open containers into other licensed establishments. The City of Alabaster is responsible for enforcing these regulations and setting penalties for violations.
HB 434 addresses the compensation for the Sheriff of Talladega County. Beginning June 1, 2025, the sheriff will receive an annual expense allowance of $15,200.32, in addition to their current base annual salary. Effective January 18, 2027, the sheriff's base annual salary will be set at $112,000, at which point the previous salary and expense allowance provisions will become void. This bill also repeals several prior acts that previously determined the compensation for the Talladega County Sheriff.
SB 239 authorizes the Sheriff of Coffee County, with the consent of the county commission, to contract with municipalities within Coffee County to provide police services. Under such a contract, the sheriff or their deputies would enforce all laws, including municipal ordinances, within the contracting municipality's jurisdiction. The municipality would pay the county treasury for the necessary personnel and equipment. This allows municipalities in Coffee County to utilize the Sheriff's Office for their local policing needs.
This bill authorizes the Town of Kinston, Alabama, to use automated photographic systems for enforcing speed limits, affecting motorists driving within its corporate limits. Speeding violations detected by these cameras will be treated as civil violations, not criminal offenses, carrying a civil fine of up to $100 plus court costs. The vehicle owner is presumed liable for the civil fine, but the bill establishes procedures to contest liability and allows appeals to the Coffee County Circuit Court. The Town of Kinston must post signs at town entry points and near enforcement devices, and conduct a public awareness campaign before operating the systems.
