This bill authorizes the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office to use credit or debit cards for approved purchases of property and services. It requires the sheriff to establish written policies that set spending limits, ensure secure card access, maintain purchase records, and review monthly bills for accuracy and timely payment. The sheriff must also select a card provider based on fees, rewards, and penalties, with any rewards earned deposited into the office's discretionary fund. The law explicitly states that this authorization does not allow the sheriff to spend more money than legally appropriated or create county debt.
HB 374 sets a fixed annual salary of $153,725 for Montgomery County's judge of probate, effective October 1, 2026, replacing the previous formula-based compensation. Currently, the judge earns $88,000 annually (since 1996), with raises tied to county employee increases (capped at $3,000 yearly). The bill eliminates this adjustment mechanism, establishing a single, fixed amount instead. This directly affects the Montgomery County judge of probate, who will receive this new salary starting in 2026. The change is not tied to inflation or county budgets but is a specific, predetermined amount.
This resolution (HJR 189) is a non-binding legislative expression of support for increased funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Alabama. It urges the Alabama Legislature to appropriate an additional $150 million in the 2026 session to expand CTE programs, building on prior funding of $100 million allocated for regional career technology centers. The resolution highlights that 34% of Alabama jobs by 2031 will require post-high school education below a bachelor’s degree, and CTE prepares students for key industries like bioscience and advanced materials. It directly affects Alabama’s public school districts and students participating in CTE programs by advocating for future state funding to support infrastructure and training. As a resolution, it does not allocate funds but formally recommends this action to the Legislature.
HB 337 proposes a constitutional amendment for Madison County, Alabama, to bring specific privately owned sewer systems under regulation by the Public Service Commission (PSC). It applies only to private sewer operators that: (1) use public roads for their systems, (2) discharge to certain wastewater facilities, and (3) charge flat or usage-based fees. These systems would then be regulated by the PSC for rates and service standards, though counties or municipalities with existing agreements with the sewer providers can opt out of PSC oversight for those customers. The amendment requires voter approval and includes a five-year restriction if a local government later seeks to revert to PSC regulation after opting out.
This bill designates April 2, 2026, as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Day at the Alabama Capitol to honor the organization's contributions to the state. It recognizes the sorority's history, founded in 1922, and its ongoing work in scholarship, service, and community support through programs like scholarships and youth development. The resolution expresses appreciation for the sorority's impact on residents of Alabama and its commitment to equity and civic responsibility.
This bill authorizes law enforcement officers in Crenshaw County to take individuals with mental illness into protective custody when they pose an immediate danger to themselves or others. The officer must transport the person to a hospital or treatment facility for evaluation, and if the individual does not consent, reasonable force may be used. The person must be released within 72 hours unless a judge orders further treatment, and the custody is not considered an arrest or criminal charge. Law enforcement officers and medical providers acting in good faith under this bill receive immunity from civil liability.
This bill creates a First Responder Benefits Task Force in Alabama to study and recommend solutions for protecting retirement benefits when first responders are injured or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The task force will consist of 14 members, including two state legislators from each party, representatives from various law enforcement and fire organizations, and officials from the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The group is required to hold meetings, elect leadership, and submit a final report with findings and legislative recommendations by November 1, 2026, after which it will be dissolved.
This bill is a resolution that formally commends Roger David Perkins for his 26 years of service as City Inspector for the Town of Mount Vernon. It recognizes his contributions to public safety and community development through the enforcement of building codes and standards. The resolution expresses gratitude for his professionalism and impact on the town and offers well wishes for his retirement.
This bill formally commends Paul H. Reynolds for his decades of public service and leadership within the Alabama Republican Party. The resolution recognizes his long history of political involvement, including his work in various presidential campaigns and his roles as a state and national party leader. It highlights his contributions to party development and his advocacy for constitutional issues like maintaining the Supreme Court's nine-justice structure. The bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Reynolds' distinguished service but does not create new laws or policies.
This bill proposes a renewal process for Wilcox County, Alabama, to replace an expiring ad valorem tax that will end in 2027. The legislation authorizes the county commission to increase the local property tax rate by nine mills, raising the total from 10 mills to 19 mills, with the increase taking effect when the current tax expires. The additional tax revenue would be split between county general purposes and public schools, with two mills going to the county and seven mills to the school board. However, this tax increase requires voter approval at a future election before it can be implemented. The bill becomes effective on June 1, 2026, allowing time for the renewal process to be completed.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the Covington County Sheriff to sell abandoned, stolen, and unclaimed personal property and firearms, with proceeds used for law enforcement. The amendment requires the sheriff to maintain public records of recovered items and store them properly, while allowing immediate sale of perishable property without notice if owners cannot be found. Firearms would be sold only to licensed gun dealers through sealed bidding, and other unclaimed property would be auctioned publicly after proper notice and a six-month waiting period. Owners can reclaim their property before sale by proving ownership and paying recovery and storage costs. If unclaimed after six months, net proceeds from sales would be deposited into a dedicated fund for the sheriff's office to use at their discretion for law enforcement purposes.
This bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally commends retired U.S. Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prickett for his volunteer service to disabled veterans. The resolution recognizes his leadership as President of the National Whitetail Warrior Project, where he has organized over 230 veteran hunts across multiple states and helped raise more than $500,000 to fund these programs. The measure extends official appreciation from the Alabama Legislature for his work providing outdoor experiences and fellowship opportunities to veterans, with no changes to existing laws or policies.
