This is a ceremonial resolution (HR 74) honoring Phillip Mays, a Montgomery, Alabama resident who died on January 19, 2026. It commemorates his life, military service (U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War, National Guard), career as a mental health psychologist for the State of Alabama, and his family. The resolution expresses the Alabama House's shared sorrow and celebrates his legacy of service, family devotion, and community impact. It does not create any new policy or affect any laws or regulations.
HB 72 prohibits smoking or vaping marijuana in any motor vehicle when a child under 19 is present, regardless of the driver's age. It classifies violations as a Class A misdemeanor, requires offenders to complete a virtual education course developed by the Alabama Department of Public Health, and mandates law enforcement to report violations to the Department of Human Resources. The bill also requires mandatory reporting when a child smells of marijuana, treating such reports as child abuse or neglect. Additionally, it directs the Alabama Department of Public Health to create free public education materials about the dangers of exposing children to marijuana smoke. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
SB 33 expands eligibility for Alabama's distinctive veteran license tags to include more veterans exposed to dangerous radiation during military service. Currently, only veterans directly involved in atomic bomb testing (1944-1962) qualify; this bill adds additional veterans who were exposed to radiation while serving, without specifying exact service periods. The change would allow these veterans to apply for the same distinctive tag, requiring the standard $3 initial fee (or $6 for Vietnam veterans' tags) and proof of eligibility. It does not alter existing fee distributions or administrative processes for the program. The bill amends Alabama Code §32-6-350 to broaden the radiation-exposure category in the veteran tag program.
HB 154 would allow Alabama law enforcement to arrest someone without a warrant if they are charged in another state with any felony, including crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. It also permits out-of-state officers to arrest individuals in Alabama during a "fresh pursuit" of a felony suspect - meaning they are chasing the suspect without unreasonable delay after the crime. After such an arrest, the person must be brought before a judge promptly to review the arrest's legality. If the judge finds the arrest lawful, the person may be held for extradition or released on bail; if unlawful, they must be freed.
SB 67 proposes a constitutional amendment to raise the maximum age for qualifying as Walker County's judge of probate from the current limit to 75 years old at the time of election or appointment. This change would directly affect candidates and appointees seeking the probate judge position in Walker County, Alabama. The amendment requires voter approval through a statewide election under Alabama's constitutional process. If approved, it would become part of Alabama's constitution, modifying the age requirement specifically for Walker County's probate court.
This is a commemorative resolution (HR 55) passed by the Alabama House of Representatives to honor the late Brazil Simon, Jr. of Mobile, Alabama, who died on January 10, 2026. The resolution formally records the House's "profound sorrow" at his passing and celebrates his life, highlighting his work as a shoe shiner, waiter, devoted Catholic, and community member. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals; it is a symbolic gesture of remembrance for his family and community. The resolution was introduced on January 27, 2026.
This resolution formally commends Mrs. Clyde Lee on her 90th birthday. It expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' highest regard for her life, highlighting her family, community involvement, and personal qualities as a cherished pillar of her community. The bill has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation; it is a ceremonial expression of goodwill.
HB 93 makes it unenforceable for any agreement (like settlements, employment contracts, or confidentiality clauses) to prohibit disclosing sexual abuse incidents or related facts. This applies to agreements entered into on or after October 1, 2026, and only affects the disclosure-related parts of such agreements - not other terms like payment. The law defines "sexual abuse" broadly to include specific criminal violations under Alabama law. It directly affects individuals and entities entering agreements involving sexual abuse, ensuring survivors can discuss their experiences without legal penalties.
HR 49 is a ceremonial resolution honoring John Bradford, a former educator and community member from Montgomery, Alabama, who died on January 15, 2026. The resolution formally records the Alabama House of Representatives' "deep sadness" over his death while celebrating his life, including his work as a teacher, mathematics professor at Alabama State University, and service in his church and community. It has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is a commemorative gesture with no legislative effect. The resolution was introduced on January 22, 2026, and referred to committee under Joint Rule 11.
HR 52 is a ceremonial resolution commending Sheriff Matthew Wade of Calhoun County for his retirement after a 28-year law enforcement career. It honors his service as a correctional officer, deputy, and sheriff (serving three terms since 2016), his historic achievements as the first from his office to graduate from the FBI National Academy and DHS Leadership Academy, and his role as president of the Alabama Sheriffs Association. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies - it simply expresses the Alabama House's formal gratitude for his "distinguished service" and "exemplary law enforcement service." It is purely symbolic, with no concrete policy changes or direct impact on constituents beyond recognition.
This resolution (HR 44) commends Birmingham Police Lieutenant Rebeca Herrera for her 20+ years of service and retirement effective January 23, 2026. It formally recognizes her career path - including roles as a South Precinct Officer, Vice/Narcotics Detective, and Commander of the Special Victims Unit - and highlights her historic 2015 promotion alongside her husband as the first married couple promoted simultaneously to sergeant in Birmingham Police Department history. The resolution expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' "profound appreciation" and "heartfelt gratitude" for her service to Birmingham citizens. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policies.
This resolution commends the City of Florence and its Office of Planning and Community Development for receiving the 2026 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award. The award recognizes their Literacy Gardens project at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, which created two free, public outdoor learning spaces (a Children's Garden for ages birth-10 and a Reading Garden for teens/adults) using $120,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds leveraged with over $250,000 in private donations. The project addresses barriers like limited broadband access and lack of safe educational spaces for low- to moderate-income residents by providing technology-enabled, accessible areas for learning and community connection. The resolution serves as a formal expression of praise without enacting new policy or creating legal obligations.
