Alabama Bills

HB 511 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Alabama public K-12 schools to begin each school day with the Pledge of Allegiance and an optional prayer (which students may choose not to participate in). Local school boards would need to adopt policies enabling this daily practice, with prayers permitted as prerecorded, live, or broadcasted but never mandatory. Schools or boards persistently refusing to comply after investigation could face a 25% reduction in state education funding, with further cuts possible through legislative action. This amendment requires voter approval to become part of Alabama's constitution.

HB 502 allows the City of Prichard in Mobile County to clear ownership of abandoned tax-sale properties it purchased from the state land commissioner through an expedited court process. The city must make a good-faith effort to identify owners (using deeds, tax records, and property signs) and notify them before filing a single court petition. If owners can't be found, the city may use newspaper publication for notice. The circuit court must schedule a hearing within 90 days, and a court ruling may extinguish all ownership claims, giving the city clear title to the properties. This applies only to Prichard's properties acquired under Alabama's tax sale laws.

HB 169 changes the governing board of Alabama's Department of Archives and History from 12 to 17 members. It establishes new appointment rules requiring one member per congressional district and nine at-large members, with specific start dates for terms (2025-2030). The bill requires appointing authorities to consider racial, gender, geographic, and economic diversity when filling seats and applies these changes retroactively to current board members. The department's core functions and operations remain unaffected by this structural change.

HB 98 establishes the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers' Family Scholarship Program, providing tuition and required educational expenses for dependents (children under 27 or spouses) of qualifying law enforcement officers who served full-time for at least seven years in Alabama. The scholarship covers up to $3,000 per academic period (semester/quarter) for undergraduate programs at participating Alabama public or private colleges, technical schools, or universities, after other financial aid is applied. Funding comes from an annual state appropriation (capped at $10 million) and proceeds from a special "blackout" license plate program. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education administers the program, requiring applicants to submit documentation proving eligibility and maintaining academic progress. The bill is pending committee review in the Alabama House of Representatives.

This bill (HB 128) would allow the Board of Midwifery to accept gifts and grants from external sources, such as private organizations or donors. It directly affects the Board of Midwifery, which oversees midwifery licensing and practice standards in the state. The key provision amends the Board's authority to expand its funding options beyond state appropriations, enabling it to receive non-governmental financial support. This change is procedural and does not alter midwifery practice requirements or patient care standards.

SB 143 removes the expiration date (August 31, 2028) for three assessments on nursing home beds in Alabama, making them permanent. These include a supplemental privilege assessment, a secondary supplemental privilege assessment, and a monthly surcharge per bed. The bill ensures nursing facilities will continue paying these costs, and they remain fully included in Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes. This directly affects all Alabama nursing facilities participating in Medicaid, as their reimbursement rates will continue to account for these assessments.

SB 145 removes the expiration date for a 6% tax that privately operated hospitals in Alabama pay on net patient revenue. This tax currently funds Medicaid payments to hospitals and was scheduled to end on September 30, 2028. The bill makes the tax permanent, ensuring ongoing funding for Medicaid hospital payments without a set termination date. It directly affects private hospitals, which will continue paying this assessment to support Medicaid program financing.

HB 267 revises three specific provisions related to Alabama's forestry operations. It updates the benefits and compensation structure for the State Forester, modifies the process for obtaining burn permits (used by landowners and managers for controlled burns), and adjusts penalties for violations of forestry regulations. These changes directly affect the State Forester's role, landowners conducting prescribed burns, and individuals or entities operating under forestry rules. The bill focuses on procedural updates to existing statutes without creating new programs or funding. (Note: This bill is pending committee action as of the provided dates and has not yet been enacted.)

HB 238 appropriates funds from Alabama's Education Trust Fund for public education support, maintenance, and development during fiscal year 2027 (ending September 30, 2027). It allocates specific amounts for programs like charter school startup grants ($31.5 million), arts education ($9.6 million), and school infrastructure debt service, with funding sources specified as Education Trust Fund contributions and other federal/local funds. The bill directs these funds to state education programs under existing budget laws, requiring accountability for efficient fund use. It does not create new programs but authorizes spending for current educational operations and capital projects.

HB 237 transfers $362.45 million from Alabama's Educational Opportunities Reserve Fund to the RAISE Fund for the 2026 fiscal year, with $137.55 million specifically allocated to 13 public higher education institutions. The funding supports start-up or transitional programs at Alabama's public colleges and universities to expand student educational opportunities. Institutions like the University of Alabama System ($31.8 million), Auburn University ($15.3 million), and Alabama Community College System ($51.3 million) receive targeted allocations for these initiatives. The bill redirects existing reserve funds without creating new taxes or spending.

SB 144 removes the expiration date for a quarterly fee paid by emergency medical transport providers (like ambulance services) in Alabama. Currently, this assessment - calculated based on providers' revenue from emergency transports and capped at 5.3% - funds Medicaid enhancements for ambulance services and expires July 1, 2028. The bill makes this fee permanent, ensuring ongoing funding for ambulance service maintenance and expansion without a set end date. It affects all Alabama emergency medical transport providers who must report quarterly data to the state. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

HB 312 revises retirement benefits for Alabama district attorneys under the Judicial Retirement Fund by lowering the maximum service and disability retirement allowances from 80% to 75% of a member's average final compensation. It also updates the definition of "average final compensation" for both the District Attorneys' Plan and the broader Judicial Retirement Fund. District attorneys with 18 or more years of service will now receive exactly 75% of their average final compensation as their retirement allowance, aligning with the new cap for all members. These changes directly affect current and future district attorneys enrolled in the retirement plan.