Alabama Bills

HB 115 is a procedural bill that continues the existence and functioning of the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors. This board, which regulates electrical contractors in the state, was reviewed under the Alabama Sunset Law. The bill extends the board's operations until October 1, 2026, allowing it to continue its current responsibilities.

HB 121 extends the operational period of the Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers. This bill continues the board's existence and functioning until October 1, 2029. It follows a recommendation from the Alabama Sunset Committee, which periodically reviews state agencies to decide whether to continue, terminate, or modify them. The board is responsible for regulating registered interior designers in the state.

HB 72 amends provisions related to distinctive license plates for volunteer and professional firefighters. The bill increases the annual additional fee associated with these specialized motor vehicle plates, including raising the fee for retired professional firefighter plates from $1 to $10. It also revises the method for distributing the net proceeds collected from these additional fees, changing from fixed dollar amounts to percentage-based allocations among various recipients. Additionally, the funds generated by this increased fee will be subject to audit.

HR 260 is a resolution adopted by the House of Representatives to mourn the death and celebrate the life of James Merle Sasser Compton. It acknowledges her contributions to her family and community as a seamstress, cook, gardener, and long-time bank employee.

HB 255 allows certain law enforcement officers to receive payment for unused annual leave. Specifically, members of the State Police Tier II Plan within the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama are eligible. The bill enables these officers to be paid for up to 80 hours of unused annual leave, provided those hours exceed 480 hours per year.

HR 258 is a commemorative resolution that commends the Springwood School Varsity Girls Basketball Team and Coach Lisa Sampson for winning the 2025 Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) AA State Basketball Championship. It officially honors their achievement and dedication.

HR 257 is a resolution from the House of Representatives formally mourning the death and celebrating the life of Reverend Melvyn Watson Salter. It acknowledges his extensive service in ministry, as a hospital chaplain, and as a Judge of Probate, extending heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones.

HB 129 continues the existence and functioning of the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators. This board is responsible for regulating individuals who administer nursing homes. The bill extends its operation without modification until October 1, 2029. This action is a recommendation from the Alabama Sunset Committee, which periodically reviews state agencies.

HB 396 aims to assist disabled veterans with a 100 percent permanent and total disability rating when applying for home mortgage loans. It requires County Property Tax Commissioners to issue these veterans a tentative certificate of permanent and total disability before they purchase a homestead, upon submission of specific documents. This tentative certificate allows settlement agents and loan closing officers to exclude homestead ad valorem taxes when calculating the veteran's debt-to-income ratio. The bill ensures that these veterans' exempt property taxes do not negatively impact their ability to qualify for a home loan, as the certificate becomes valid upon purchasing the homestead.

HB 131 continues the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers, which regulates athletic trainers within the state. The bill extends the board's existence until October 1, 2027, following a review by the Alabama Sunset Committee. It also modifies the board's composition, requiring that, starting June 1, 2025, one member must be appointed from each congressional district, with any remaining members appointed from the state at-large. This change aims to ensure broader geographic representation on the board.

HB 582 seeks to prohibit the use of social-emotional learning (SEL) concepts in all public K-12 schools, affecting students, teachers, and school administration. The bill broadly defines SEL and prevents schools from promoting, purchasing, or utilizing these concepts for teacher training or student instruction. It also requires prior written parental consent for students to participate in surveys or evaluations that reveal sensitive personal or family information. Violations of these provisions would constitute neglect of duty, and any resulting disciplinary actions would be reported annually to the Legislature.

HB 127 continues the existence and functioning of the Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers until October 1, 2029, ensuring it can continue to regulate professionals who sell and fit hearing instruments. The bill modifies the board's structure by requiring that, as terms expire starting June 1, 2025, one member must reside in and be appointed from each congressional district, with any remaining members appointed from the state at-large. This change affects how future members of the eight-person board are selected.