This bill is a joint resolution that formally recognizes March 19, 2026, as Military Appreciation Day in Alabama and honors the memory of three airmen from the 99th Air Refueling Squadron who died in combat on March 12, 2026. The resolution expresses the Alabama Legislature's gratitude to all current and former military service members and extends condolences to the families of the fallen airmen. It also directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the command leadership of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, the Alabama National Guard, and the families of the deceased service members.
This bill designates March 17, 2026, as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Day in the State of Alabama. It recognizes the organization's history, noting its founding in 1911 and its presence with 33 chapters across Alabama. The resolution formally acknowledges the fraternity's contributions to civic and community life over more than a century. No laws or regulations are changed by this measure, as it serves only as a symbolic recognition.
This bill updates how money is managed in Lawrence County's Community Corrections and Court Services Fund by changing when surplus funds are transferred to the county's general budget and adjusting the timeline for remitting appearance bond deposits to the fund. It also clarifies when municipalities can join temporary release and related programs, requiring them to adopt a resolution that becomes effective at the start of the next fiscal quarter. The legislation repeals an older 1979 law to modernize these administrative procedures without changing the core purpose of the fund, which supports investigation, administration, and rehabilitation programs for defendants in Lawrence County.
HB 447 allows Montgomery County residents to file their wills directly with the county judge of probate. The bill requires the judge to maintain a confidential record of each will's filing and withdrawal dates, accessible only to the filer, their legal representative, or attorney before the filer's death. The public can view the docket listing filings, and the judge may charge a reasonable fee for this service. This law does not affect a person's ability to revoke a will or change its terms.
HB 385 allows Tuscaloosa County's Tax Assessor and Tax Collector to create electronic filing procedures for business personal property tax returns. It requires certain businesses - those leasing property, owning $10,000+ in personal property assets, or using professional tax preparers - to file electronically starting October 1, 2026. The bill mandates that electronic returns include the same information as paper forms and follow existing electronic filing standards. It also requires the county to provide training and grant temporary exemptions for good cause.
HB 383 requires all new employees hired under Tuscaloosa County's civil service system to complete a 12-month probationary period before becoming permanent. It also allows the county's Civil Service Board to establish rules for hiring part-time employees to support efficient county operations. The bill repeals an outdated section (Section 9 of Act 49-357) related to temporary employees. This legislation directly affects county employees and hiring practices, taking effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 384 amends Tuscaloosa County's fee structure for personal delivery of court documents (service of process) by the sheriff's office. It sets a $60 fee per document for local civil cases (with $3 retained by the circuit clerk's office), and an $85 fee for out-of-state service requests. Fifty percent of the net fee collected goes to the sheriff's office, and the remaining 50% to the district attorney's office for operational costs. The bill makes technical updates to the existing law's language without changing fee amounts or coverage, effective June 1, 2026. It directly affects Tuscaloosa County residents and legal professionals handling civil court cases requiring personal service.
HB 430 authorizes the Montgomery County Judge of Probate to hold fundraising events like rodeos and use the proceeds for any lawful purpose related to their office operations. It directly affects Montgomery County's probate court, allowing the judge to generate revenue for administrative needs. The bill retroactively ratifies past fundraising activities conducted in compliance with this law and declares the measure "remedial and curative." The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HB 451 authorizes Montgomery County's Judge of Probate to establish procedures for using credit cards to purchase tangible goods or approved services for the Probate Court. It requires the Judge of Probate to create written policies including spending limits per transaction and monthly, secure access controls, detailed record-keeping, and monthly bill reviews to prevent unauthorized charges or fees. Any rewards or rebates earned from credit card use must be deposited into the Judge of Probate Fund. This bill directly affects Montgomery County's probate court operations, allowing streamlined purchasing while implementing strict financial safeguards. The bill became effective immediately upon enactment.
SB 241 authorizes Walker County's elected probate judge to appoint temporary lawyers from the county to handle probate court duties during periods of high caseloads, complex cases, or scheduling delays. Temporary judges can serve up to 90 days per appointment (with a yearly maximum of 200 days) and have full authority to make decisions that are legally binding like those of the elected judge. The bill specifies they must be paid $50 per hearing from the judge's discretionary funds, with no additional pay if they are already court employees. It also clarifies that the elected judge and their bond are not liable for actions taken by temporary judges during their service.
HB 413 requires Tuscaloosa County to provide the same annual longevity pay (based on years of service) to its Sheriff, Tax Assessor, and Tax Collector as all other full-time regular county employees. Starting June 1, 2026, the County Commission must set the exact amount and payment date for these officials, with payments funded from the county general fund. This bill directly affects these three specific county elected positions by aligning their compensation structure with other county staff.
HB 405 creates a new offense called "bail jumping in the third degree" for individuals released from custody (with or without bail) who violate court-ordered electronic monitoring conditions. This bill directly affects people under electronic monitoring as a release condition, making such violations a Class C misdemeanor punishable by law. Key provisions include defining the offense, setting penalties, and allowing a defense for unintentional violations due to circumstances beyond the defendant's control (though the defendant must prove this). The law would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
