SB 123 exempts retail sales of unmanufactured fish or seafood directly sold by anglers or fishermen (defined as "producers") from Alabama's state sales and use tax. It also allows counties and municipalities to choose to exempt these same sales from local sales taxes through a local resolution or ordinance. The bill applies only to seafood in its original, unprocessed state sold at retail by the producer, not to restaurants or processors. The exemption would take effect on September 1, 2026.
HB 360 creates an annual sales tax holiday for firearms, ammunition, and specific hunting gear (like archery equipment, holsters, and suppressors) during the last weekend of August each year. This exempts the state sales tax on these purchases, directly affecting consumers buying these items during that period. Counties and municipalities may also choose to exempt local sales taxes on the same items during the holiday. The holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. on the last Friday in August until 12:00 a.m. on the following Sunday. Local governments must adopt opt-in resolutions by June 1 each year to participate.
HB 3 exempts state sales and use taxes on fresh, unprocessed fish or seafood sold directly by anglers or fishermen (defined as "producers" in the bill). This applies only to retail sales of seafood in its original, unmanufactured state. Local counties and municipalities may choose to also exempt these sales from local taxes, but only if they adopt a specific resolution or ordinance. The exemption takes effect on September 1, 2026.
HB 2 proposes renaming the Gulf of Mexico "Gulf of America" for all state and local government purposes in Alabama. It requires state and local entities and their employees to use the new name in all new maps, documents, websites, and communications starting October 1, 2025, and to update existing materials where practical without causing financial or operational hardship. Public schools and universities may still use "Gulf of Mexico" in historical academic contexts. The bill would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
SB 11, the "Alabama Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act," requires Alabama's presidential electors to pledge before the election to vote for their party's presidential and vice presidential nominees. If an elector fails to follow this pledge (e.g., by voting for a different candidate), the bill establishes a clear process to replace them: first using a designated alternate, then selecting from remaining electors of the same party, or finally by random draw. This applies directly to Alabama's 9 presidential electors and ensures the state's electoral votes align with voters' choices. The law also mandates that the Secretary of State verify ballots match electors' pledges before certifying votes.
HB 28 would create a state income tax credit for Alabama restaurants that donate oyster shells to approved recycling programs. Restaurants can claim up to $2,000 per year (based on $1 for every 50 pounds of shells donated), with a total annual cap of $100,000 across all participating businesses. Credits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are only available for tax years 2026 through 2030. The Alabama Department of Revenue will collaborate with conservation officials to designate eligible recycling programs.
This bill bans "slap fighting" in Alabama, defined as unarmed combat where opponents stand at arm's length and take turns slapping each other in the face without moving or defending. It directly affects promoters, managers, and participants in such events, as well as the Alabama Athletic Commission, which now has expanded enforcement powers. The law authorizes the Attorney General to sue violators and imposes criminal penalties: Class C felonies for promoters/managers who knowingly violate the ban, and Class B misdemeanors for fighters. Violators may also face civil fines up to $25,000, with penalties applied alongside other relevant criminal laws. The bill amends existing athletic commission statutes and takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 10 proposes a constitutional amendment in Alabama that would require Tuscaloosa County voters to approve any new or increased county or municipal sales and use tax through a majority vote at a referendum held during a regular general election. The amendment mandates at least two public hearings and 60 days of newspaper notice before any such tax vote. It directly affects Tuscaloosa County residents and local governments by preventing tax increases without voter consent, ensuring community input before new tax levies take effect.
SB 23 proposes a new special primary election for legislative or congressional districts when their boundaries are changed too late for the regular primary schedule. It directly affects voters in districts where redistricting occurs after the regular primary date, requiring a special primary by August 31st. The bill specifies that candidates who qualified for the regular primary remain eligible for the special election, voids previous primary results for affected districts, and requires the Governor to call the election within five days of a boundary change. This ensures candidates for impacted districts are properly selected through a new primary, rather than relying on outdated election results. The bill is currently pending committee review in Alabama's Senate.
This bill formally commends ALEA Pilot Benjamin M. Carswell for receiving the 2026 Alabama Legislative Meritorious Service Award for Law Enforcement. The resolution recognizes his courageous actions during a vehicle fire incident in Mobile, where he used fire extinguishers and assisted with hose operations to save two occupants from a burning overturned vehicle. The bill serves as an official acknowledgment of his bravery and service to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, dedicating the resolution to honor his contributions to public safety.
This bill is a resolution that honors Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff of the Alabama State Police with the 2026 Legislative Meritorious Service Award for Law Enforcement. It recognizes his actions on November 12, 2025, when he assisted a fellow officer who was responding to a medical emergency and provided critical first aid to a gunshot victim. The resolution formally commends Woodruff for his quick response, lifesaving medical care, and dedication to public safety. This document serves as an official acknowledgment of his service rather than establishing new laws or policies.
This bill honors Alabama State Trooper Joshua Wasden by officially recognizing him as a recipient of the 2026 Alabama Legislative Meritorious Service Award for Law Enforcement. The resolution commends Wasden for his actions on August 26, 2025, when he provided critical emergency assistance to a motorist suffering from atrial fibrillation by administering manual ventilation and supporting medical responders. The bill serves as a formal commendation rather than creating new laws or policies, and it does not affect any specific groups or change existing regulations.
