SB 22 amends the Alabama Jobs Act, which offers economic development incentives to businesses in Alabama. The bill allows the state to recapture these awarded incentives from a company if that company, or a related entity, engages in human trafficking violations. Additionally, incentives can be recaptured if the company violates federal child labor provisions outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. This aims to add specific conditions under which the state can reclaim economic development funds.
SB 92 aims to regulate technology use and promote online safety for students in public K-12 schools. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the bill prohibits students from using or possessing wireless communication devices during the instructional day on school grounds, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergencies, or as allowed by local policy. It also requires local school boards to adopt internet safety policies for district-owned devices, limiting access to age-inappropriate content and social media. Finally, the State Department of Education must develop a social media safety course, which all students will complete prior to entering eighth grade.
SJR 59 is a resolution expressing the Alabama Legislature's support for national efforts to expand domestic timber production. The resolution aims to enhance forest management, reduce wildfire risks, and decrease reliance on imported timber, with copies to be delivered to the President and the Alabama Congressional Delegation.
SJR 62 is a resolution that mourns the death and celebrates the life of State Trooper Justin Jemel Williams, who served for 19 years and was part of Governor Kay Ivey's security detail. It expresses deep sadness at his passing and extends heartfelt sympathy to his family.
HB 551 authorizes the Sheriff of Butler County to sell surplus property, including vehicles, from the sheriff's department, aiming to achieve the greatest return on investment. All funds generated from these sales must be deposited into a newly established "Sheriff's Vehicle Fund" within a Butler County bank. This fund is specifically designated for the purchase of vehicles or related equipment for the sheriff's office. The Department of Examiners of Public Accounts will audit all receipts and expenditures of this fund.
HB 222 authorizes the Board of Pardons and Paroles to share electronic monitoring data with law enforcement agencies. Specifically, the bill allows the Board to provide GPS data and relevant biometric data. This sharing is permitted when law enforcement agencies are conducting an active investigation and request "probative" electronic monitoring data. The bill directly affects individuals subject to electronic monitoring and facilitates information exchange between the Board and law enforcement.
HB 532 relates to Conecuh County and modifies the selection process and compensation for its county commission chair. Effective June 1, 2025, the county commission will select its chair by a majority vote of its members for the remainder of the current term. Additionally, the chair will receive an extra expense allowance of $500 per month, paid from the county's general fund. These changes, regarding both the selection process and the expense allowance, are temporary and will expire at the end of the current term on November 14, 2028.
HB 593 revises the compensation for the Sheriff of Jefferson County, Alabama. Effective June 1, 2025, the sheriff will receive an additional annual expense allowance of $40,000, which can be treated as compensation for retirement contributions. Beginning January 18, 2027, with the next term of office, the sheriff's annual salary will be set at $248,000, replacing previous salary and expense allowance provisions. The bill also clarifies earlier provisions for an annual salary of $160,000 and cost-of-living increases.
HB 459 revises the membership and meeting requirements for the Board of Trustees of the University of South Alabama. The bill increases the number of at-large board members, adding one from the United States at-large and four from the state at-large. It removes the requirement for trustees to be appointed from specific state senatorial districts as existing terms expire. Additionally, the bill changes the timing for the board's annual meeting and revises the notice period for special meetings from at least 10 days to no less than 24 hours.
HB 61 authorizes home school students to attend career and technical education programs offered in public K-12 schools. This bill directly affects home school students seeking vocational training and the public school system that will provide these programs. To implement this change, the bill requires the State Board of Education and local boards of education to adopt appropriate rules and policies.
HB 531 authorizes the Conecuh County Commission to levy an additional annual fee of up to $12 on motor vehicle license and registration issuances. This fee would apply to new registrations, transfers, or renewals for vehicles in Conecuh County, commencing June 1, 2025. The proceeds collected from this fee would be distributed monthly to the Evergreen-Conecuh Health Care Authority. This act, including the fee collection, is set to be repealed on September 30, 2040.
Senate Bill 332 expands the options available to public owners for undertaking public works projects by authorizing several new alternative delivery methods beyond the traditional design-bid-build approach. These new methods include Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and various Design-Build models, establishing criteria for their approval and use. The bill also provides for the adoption of administrative rules, sets up protest procedures for contract awards, and establishes reporting requirements. Additionally, it creates a Public Works Advisory Council and modifies the requirements for performance and payment bonds under these new project delivery methods.
