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.
SB 294 simplifies bonding requirements for Alabama public officials. It clarifies that county officials’ bonds are no longer subject to state bonding rules, requires offices to notify officials when bonds are deficient, and gives them 15 days to fix issues before losing their position. The bill also authorizes Alabama’s Division of Risk Management to offer a program where they can forward required bonds to the appropriate office on behalf of state or county officials who request it. This affects county and state officers, employees, and officials who must file bonds to hold office, making the process more streamlined.
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.
SB 222 prohibits the use of automated driving systems (ADS) to operate oversized vehicles that require a permit under existing Alabama law (due to exceeding weight, width, length, or height limits). The bill also clarifies that state and local governments are not required to upgrade transportation infrastructure to accommodate ADS-equipped vehicles. Additionally, it prevents local or state entities from imposing new taxes or specific operational requirements on ADS vehicles. The law will take effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 88 exempts Alabama's K-12 schools and public higher education institutions from requiring inspections and recommendations by the Division of Construction Management for capital improvement projects valued under $750,000. Currently, these institutions must still submit projects for ADA and fire/safety inspections even if under $750,000, but the bill would eliminate all such inspection requirements for small projects. This change would reduce administrative steps for schools and institutions on minor construction work like repairs or upgrades. The bill also includes minor technical updates to align the state code with current formatting.
This bill proposes changing Alabama's official state song from "Alabama" to "Stars Fell on Alabama." It achieves this by amending state law to officially recognize "Stars Fell on Alabama" as the state song, while explicitly stating that this change does not violate copyright laws. The legislation also clarifies that counties, cities, and state agencies remain free to use other songs for local or ceremonial purposes. If passed, the new designation would take effect on October 1, 2026.
This bill creates a one-time refundable tax credit for eligible Alabama individual taxpayers filing returns for the 2025 tax year. To qualify, a person must have filed a state income tax return for both 2024 and 2025 and cannot be a nonresident, an estate, or a dependent claimed on another taxpayer's 2024 return. The credit amount is based on the taxpayer's 2024 tax liability or a fixed dollar amount determined by their 2025 filing status, such as $250 for single filers or $500 for married couples filing jointly. The refund will be automatically issued by the state tax department, applied to any outstanding debts owed to the state, and will not include interest or be treated as taxable income.
HB 660 creates the Beginning Farmer and Succession Continuity Act to help new farmers in Alabama acquire land by offering financial incentives and support. The bill provides a refundable income tax credit of up to $200,000 to landowners who sell or lease farmland to qualified beginning farmers, provided the land remains in agricultural use for five years. It also establishes a state-backed loan guarantee program covering up to 75% of eligible loans and sets up an online registry to connect retiring farmers with newcomers. Additionally, the act creates a dedicated assistance fund, requires annual reporting on program outcomes, and includes audit provisions to ensure compliance with eligibility rules.
This bill requires boards of water and sewer commissioners in counties containing a Class 2 municipality to obtain approval from all local governments with jurisdiction before selling or developing real property they own. The legislation mandates that these local governments must hold a public hearing and provide notice before granting or denying such approval. Additionally, the bill includes minor technical updates to modernize the language of the existing code without changing its core meaning. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
This bill changes how Alabama taxes consumable vapor products by calculating the excise tax based on the nicotine content rather than just the volume of liquid. Under the new rules, products with more than six milligrams of nicotine per milliliter will be taxed at ten cents per milliliter, while those with six milligrams or less will be taxed at five cents per milliliter. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all vapor product labels clearly state the amount of nicotine and the total liquid volume. Manufacturers and retailers who fail to include this required information on their products face civil penalties, with fines ranging from $1,000 for a first offense to permit revocation for repeated violations. The changes are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.
This bill, known as the Bill of Rights in the Classroom Act, requires Alabama public schools to display the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution in every classroom and on local school district websites. The State Department of Education must create a standardized version of these amendments by January 2027, ensuring the text is presented without any commentary or interpretation. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, parents can report if a school fails to comply with these display requirements, and they may seek legal action if the issue is not resolved within 30 days. The law also allows courts to award attorney fees to parents who successfully enforce these provisions.
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.
