HJR 210 is a procedural resolution scheduling a joint meeting of Alabama's House and Senate on April 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the House Chamber to formally recognize Military Appreciation Day. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; it simply sets a date and location for the legislature to hold a ceremonial session. The resolution was adopted by the Alabama Legislature on April 10, 2025, with no opposition.
HB 42 (Alabama Bail Reform Act of 1993) modifies Alabama's cash bail rules by allowing courts to accept a cash deposit less than the full bail amount set by a judge, upon the judge's approval. This change directly affects defendants in criminal cases required to pay cash bail, providing a potential financial alternative to paying the full sum upfront. The bill amends Section 15-13-111 of the Alabama Code to permit this reduced cash payment while maintaining the four existing bail types (cash, property, surety, and judicial public bail). The change would take effect on October 1, 2025, if enacted.
HB 481 exempts local school boards and specific public procurement units from competitive bidding requirements when purchasing certain materials and equipment for public works projects. The bill amends Alabama law to remove the need for sealed bids and advertising for these specific purchases, while maintaining other requirements like design standards, code compliance, and vendor approval processes. This directly affects school districts and designated procurement units in their routine procurement of items like building materials or equipment. The change streamlines purchasing for these entities but does not exempt projects from broader public works regulations.
SB 252 requires pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in Alabama to pay independent pharmacies a minimum reimbursement rate for prescription drugs, directly affecting these pharmacies and PBMs. The bill establishes a specific payment standard for prescriptions and adds Section 27-45A-14 to Alabama’s code to regulate PBM practices. Key provisions include setting a baseline payment amount and restricting certain PBM actions that impact pharmacy reimbursement. This policy change aims to address financial challenges faced by independent pharmacies through mandated payment terms.
This is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 51), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends the Trinity Presbyterian Varsity Girls Basketball Team for winning the 2025 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 4A Girls Basketball State Championship. The resolution highlights their 34-0 undefeated run to the title and recognizes specific players and coaches. It has no legal effect or impact on policy; it is solely an expression of legislative praise for the team's achievement.
SJR 60 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Daniel Pratt as Alabama's first great industrialist. It commemorates his historical contributions, including founding Prattville, establishing Alabama's first major industrial complex (with businesses like cotton gins, mills, and a foundry), and shaping the state's economic development through infrastructure and philanthropy. The resolution does not create new laws, affect any individuals or entities, or change policy - it solely serves to recognize Pratt's legacy. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legislative effect beyond historical acknowledgment.
SJR 45 is a resolution directing Alabama's Legislative Services Agency to hire a national consultant to study pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) practices. The consultant will examine how PBMs negotiate drug pricing, set reimbursement rates for pharmacies, and impact prescription drug costs and access to medications across Alabama. This study specifically aims to assess PBM practices' role in pharmacy closures - particularly in rural communities - and their effects on the drug supply chain. The consultant must report findings by December 1, 2025, to state leaders. This resolution does not create new laws but seeks to inform future policy decisions.
SB 130 would allow refined gold and silver bullion (bars) and certain coins marked with weight/purity to be recognized as legal tender in Alabama, meaning they could be used for payments. It directly affects Alabama businesses and consumers, though businesses would not be required to accept these forms of payment - except as agreed in contracts or under specific laws. The bill defines legal tender as coins/bullion meeting purity standards and ensures no liability for refusing such payments, effective October 1, 2025. This is a state-level policy change limited to Alabama, not affecting federal currency rules.
HB 294 allows Etowah County's Drug Enforcement Unit to sell abandoned or stolen property (including firearms) after six months if unclaimed, following specific auction procedures. The unit must publish notice for two weeks in a local newspaper or post at the courthouse, and firearms sales require a federal license and comply with federal transfer laws. Proceeds from sales are held for six months to allow owners to reclaim property; unclaimed funds after this period are transferred to a county law enforcement forfeiture account for use in police operations. This bill applies exclusively to Etowah County and takes effect October 1, 2025.
HB 369 creates a new county sales and use tax in Elmore County, Alabama, starting September 1, 2025, to fund the "Enhance Elmore Fund." The tax rate is calculated using a formula based on existing state and county sales tax rates, with proceeds distributed 90% to infrastructure projects and 10% to economic development initiatives. The fund's monies must be reported annually by the county commission, and fire departments must submit usage reports to access allocations. This bill directly affects Elmore County residents through the new tax and local government through the mandated fund distribution and reporting requirements.
HB 254 amends St. Clair County's mental health laws to clarify the role and authority of the county mental health officer. It requires law enforcement to contact this officer when encountering someone with a mental illness posing an immediate threat to self or others, and mandates the officer to assess the situation and coordinate with mental health facilities. The bill establishes procedures for temporary custody and facility commitment when a mental health officer determines a person needs specialized care, including a 24-hour medical evaluation at the facility. These changes directly affect residents in mental health crises, law enforcement officers, and local mental health facilities in St. Clair County.
HB 371 creates a new motor vehicle registration fee for vehicles registered in Elmore County, with all collected fees distributed directly to Elmore County funds. The bill sets an annual 1% fee increase starting January 1 each year and requires the Revenue Commissioner to collect the fees. This bill directly affects all vehicle owners registering in Elmore County, as it establishes a new local fee with automatic annual adjustments. The policy change modifies existing registration fee structures to generate dedicated county revenue, with no specified use beyond distribution to the county.
