This bill modifies the Teachers' Retirement System to provide a longevity bonus to certain retirees and their beneficiaries. The key provision establishes that eligible individuals receiving monthly allowances from the system on or before September 30, 2026, will receive an additional bonus payment. The legislation also requires funding to be appropriated to the Teachers' Retirement System to cover these bonus payments. This change directly affects teachers and other public employees who are already retired and drawing benefits from the system. The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education.
SB 295 adjusts the annual salary for Montgomery County's judge of probate. It sets a new fixed salary of $153,725 starting October 1, 2026, replacing the previous $88,000 rate established in 1996. The bill also requires future annual increases (capped at $3,000) to mirror raises given to full-time county employees. This change directly affects the current and future holders of the Montgomery County probate judge position, with the new rate taking effect on June 1, 2026.
SB 277 creates a new legal framework for "decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations" in Alabama, allowing groups to form under this structure using blockchain technology and smart contracts for governance. These associations can engage in limited profit-making activities (like selling goods or services), but all profits must serve their nonprofit purpose, and they cannot distribute earnings to members except under specific rules for compensation or dissolution. The bill directly affects nonprofit groups seeking to operate transparently via digital tools, as it defines their governance rules, member rights, and administrative duties. It does not change existing nonprofits but establishes a new category for those adopting decentralized, tech-driven models.
SB 271 proposes amending Alabama's constitution to require that a vacant Lieutenant Governor position be filled by election if the vacancy occurs more than 60 days before a general election where state officers are chosen. Currently, the constitution only mandates election for both Governor and Lieutenant Governor vacancies occurring in that timeframe; this bill specifically adds the Lieutenant Governor position to that requirement. The change would ensure voters elect a Lieutenant Governor to serve the unexpired term during the next general election, rather than leaving the office vacant until the following term. This directly affects Alabama voters and election processes when a Lieutenant Governor vacancy happens in the specified window. The amendment would become part of the state constitution if approved by voters.
SB 58 requires public servants convicted of corruption offenses to forfeit their retirement contributions (including accrued benefits) held in Alabama's state retirement funds to cover court-ordered restitution payments. It also mandates that convicted officials forfeit any compensation received while on leave with pay. The bill directly affects state employees convicted of public corruption who have retirement benefits or accrued leave pay. Key provisions establish this forfeiture as a mandatory remedy, separate from other legal actions, to ensure restitution is paid directly to victims or the state. (Note: This bill is still pending committee review as of the provided dates.)
SB 40 amends Alabama law to allow the Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee to recommend that the Governor not sign state contracts for personal or professional services paid from public funds. The bill directly affects state departments that enter such contracts, requiring them to submit contracts or letters of intent to the committee for review. Key provisions include adding the committee's explicit authority to recommend against signing contracts (previously only allowing comments) and setting a 45-day review deadline. This is a procedural change to the existing review process, not a new policy.
SB 182 expands the Advanced Technology and Data Exchange Fund to allow the Administrative Office of Courts to use its funds for general court operations, not just specific justice-related activities as previously restricted. It creates three new funds for Alabama's Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals, each funded by user fees and other sources tied to appellate court case management. These funds will support technology improvements like electronic payment systems, data sharing with agencies, court equipment, and staff training to enhance court efficiency. The bill does not change current credit card fee rules but broadens how funds can be spent to modernize court systems.
SB 228 renames Alabama's "Space Authority" to the "Alabama Aerospace Authority" effective October 1, 2026, and expands its membership. The bill adds the Finance Director, Secretary of Workforce, and Chief Executive of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission (as a nonvoting member) to the board. It clarifies the authority's existing duties, including promoting aerospace education, space tourism, and public-private partnerships, and enhances its power to lease property, enter contracts, and accept grants. The bill directly affects the authority's governance structure and operational capacity but does not introduce new funding or major policy changes.
SB 22 revises the appointment process for the Senate member on Alabama's Commission on Uniform State Laws. Currently, the Senate appoints its representative, but this bill would require the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make that appointment instead. The Commission advises the Legislature on uniform state laws, and this change only affects who selects the Senate member. The bill does not alter the Commission's purpose, membership size, or policy responsibilities. It amends Sections 41-9-370 and 41-9-371 of the Alabama Code and takes effect October 1, 2026.
This bill establishes the Alabama Balanced Instruction and Screen Use Act to limit screen-based instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. It defines screen-based instruction as delivering educational content primarily through digital devices like laptops or tablets instead of direct teacher-led instruction. The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards for screen use, including regular vision breaks and compliance with privacy laws. An Elementary Instructional Technology Task Force will be established to review research on screen use and make recommendations annually until 2030. Exceptions are made for online high school courses, summer school, and brief technology use for formative assessments during teacher-led instruction.
This bill prohibits the construction and operation of new large-scale ground-mounted solar power facilities for one year in Alabama counties that border the Gulf of America. The measure defines affected facilities as installations designed to generate electricity for off-site use or sale to third parties, excluding existing projects already under construction or operational when the law takes effect. The restriction applies immediately upon enactment and aims to protect coastal and watershed areas in Gulf-bordering counties.
This bill establishes the Alabama Centralized Grant Management Database within the Department of Economic and Community Affairs to create a single online platform for tracking grant opportunities. The database will list all available federal, state, local, and private grants for which Alabama entities are eligible, while also maintaining a voluntary registry of grant writers and technical assistance providers. State agencies must cooperate by providing grant information, and the department will offer guidance to help local governments, small businesses, and nonprofits identify and apply for funding. The system will be publicly accessible, and the department must submit annual reports to state leadership on usage and any operational challenges. Funding for the database will come through legislative appropriations, with the law taking effect on October 1, 2026.
