Alabama Bills

HB 310 amends the Fair Campaign Practices Act regarding how the Secretary of State notifies individuals and committees of civil penalties. Currently, the Secretary of State must use certified mail for all such notifications. This bill would authorize the Secretary of State to provide notification of imposed civil penalties by electronic mail. Certified mail would only be additionally required if the amount of the imposed penalty exceeds the cost of sending the certified mail.

HB 455 authorizes the Clarke County Commission to pay for the operational expenses of the Clarke County coroner's office. This includes covering costs such as mileage for the coroner or a deputy using a personal vehicle, or providing a county vehicle for the office's use. The bill also makes this financial authority retroactive, confirming any such expense payments made by the county commission prior to the bill's effective date.

SB 224 assigns the Mobile County Sheriff sole responsibility for administering and supervising electronic monitoring for pretrial defendants in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama. The bill prohibits the Sheriff from contracting with other entities for these services. It also grants the Sheriff the authority to establish and collect fees from individuals participating in electronic monitoring programs, including those for pretrial release, alternative sentencing, and other court programs. All fees collected must be deposited into the Mobile County general fund.

HJR 267 is a resolution that recognizes April 22, 2025, as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Day in the State of Alabama. It honors the organization's history and contributions within the state and globally.

HB 430 establishes new qualifications for individuals seeking the office of sheriff in Monroe County, effective June 1, 2025. Candidates must meet requirements such as being a U.S. citizen, a county resident for at least one year, 25 years or older, possessing a high school diploma or GED, and having three or more years of certified law enforcement experience. The bill also mandates that the elected sheriff of Monroe County annually complete a minimum of 12 hours of approved executive-level continuing education. These provisions apply specifically to Monroe County.

HB 597 authorizes public entities to use alternative methods for procuring design and construction services for public works projects, in addition to the existing design-bid-build method. These new methods include Construction Manager at Risk and Design-Build, with specific criteria for project approval. The bill establishes procedures for adopting administrative rules, protesting contract awards, and sets reporting requirements for these projects. It also creates a Public Works Advisory Council and modifies bond requirements for contractors involved in both traditional and alternative project delivery methods.

HB 301 proposes to abolish the office of constable specifically within Choctaw County. This bill directly affects individuals currently serving as constables in the county. Under its provisions, the office of constable will be eliminated at the end of the term of any constable serving on June 1, 2025. The act itself is slated to become effective on June 1, 2025.

HB 429 relates to Monroe County, Alabama, and modifies an existing special county privilege license tax. This bill extends the collection of the tax by removing its previous expiration clause, which was tied to the repayment of debt for a new jail and related facilities. Instead of expiring, the bill specifies that once the jail debt is paid, the tax proceeds will be deposited into the county general fund. These funds are designated for the ongoing maintenance, operation, or renovation of the Monroe County Detention Facility, or to support ambulance service or E911 within the county.

SB 83 mandates that certain public entities install and maintain adult-size changing tables in their facilities. The bill also creates a grant program to assist these entities with the costs. Public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education are generally exempt, unless they have areas like auditoriums or gymnasiums that are frequented by the public.

SB 200 renames "drug courts" to "accountability courts." This bill expands eligibility for these specialized courts to include veterans and individuals with mental illness. It also further defines the duties of the Administrative Office of Courts regarding these programs, affecting individuals who may be eligible for these rehabilitative court options.

HB 413 establishes the salaries for the Cleburne County Sheriff and Revenue Commissioner. Beginning with their next terms of office in January 2027, both officials will receive an annual salary of seventy-two thousand dollars ($72,000). Additionally, starting in October 2028, both positions will be eligible for any cost-of-living increases granted to other county officers and employees. This bill directly affects these two specific elected officials in Cleburne County.

HB 300 establishes an additional $10 fee on documents submitted for recording in the Choctaw County Probate Court that are subject to a deed or mortgage tax. This directly affects individuals and entities recording such documents in Choctaw County. The collected funds will be deposited into a new Choctaw County Probate Judge Fund, to be used for the operation of the judge of probate's office, including technology improvements and the digitalization of records. This bill is scheduled to become effective on June 1, 2025.