SB 189 extends the minimum validity period for all motor vehicle license plate designs in Alabama from five years to ten years. This change affects all vehicle owners who display standard or specialty license plates (including those for colleges, veterans, or causes), as they will no longer need to replace plates as frequently. The bill amends Alabama law to update Sections 32-6-62 and 32-6-64, ensuring plate designs remain valid for a decade without requiring reissuance. It does not alter plate fees, design rules, or the requirements for specialty plates like the Alabama Gold Star Family or college-themed plates.
SB 220 requires nonprofits making campaign contributions to register as "political donor organizations" and disclose the identities of contributors who give $100 or more in a year. It prohibits nonprofits from donating directly to campaign committees or political action committees (PACs), ending a current loophole that allowed anonymous "dark money" contributions. Nonprofits must create separate funds for political spending, notify contributors about disclosure requirements, and maintain records for state review. This directly affects nonprofits that currently make political contributions through 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) entities and the campaigns receiving those funds. The bill aims to increase transparency in campaign financing by making contributor identities public for significant donations.
SB 234 requires retailers selling alcohol, tobacco, vape products, or consumable hemp to use digital or card-swipe technology to verify a customer's age at the point of sale after a violation for failing to check age. It authorizes two specific methods: a secure mobile app using minimal driver's license data or a card reader for state ID. The law applies to retailers found in violation of age verification rules and becomes effective October 1, 2026. It directly affects businesses selling age-restricted products in Alabama, aiming to improve verification accuracy after prior enforcement issues.
SB 225 would exempt the first $5,000 of annual drill pay earned by Alabama National Guard members from state income tax. This bill modifies Alabama's existing tax code to specifically include National Guard drill pay under the state's income tax exemption rules, expanding a current exemption for certain military compensation. The change directly affects Alabama National Guard members who earn income from part-time service (drill pay), reducing their state tax burden on that portion of their earnings. The bill also includes minor technical updates to align the tax code language with current formatting standards.
SB 192 extends the deadline for Alabama crime victims to file compensation claims with the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission from one year to two years after the injury or death. This change directly affects individuals who suffered harm from criminal acts and seek financial assistance for medical costs, lost wages, or funeral expenses. The bill amends Section 15-23-12 of Alabama law to set the new two-year filing period, while preserving the existing exception allowing claims filed after the deadline if the commission finds "good cause" for the delay. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 124 creates the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to address the loss of seagrass in state marine waters. The task force, composed of researchers, government officials, and environmental representatives, will develop a 10-year restoration plan by coordinating existing research and testing new approaches. It must report annually to state leaders on progress, findings, and legislative recommendations, with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab managing funds and administrative support. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, aiming to restore coastal ecosystems and their economic benefits.
This bill (SB 238) removes an exemption that previously allowed autocycle operators to avoid motorcycle safety gear requirements. It requires all operators and passengers of three-wheeled autocycles (defined as vehicles meeting specific safety standards) to wear protective headgear and shoes compliant with existing motorcycle safety rules. The law applies to both operators and riders, aligning autocycles with motorcycle safety standards for head protection and footwear. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 123 exempts retail sales of unmanufactured fish or seafood directly sold by anglers or fishermen (defined as "producers") from Alabama's state sales and use tax. It also allows counties and municipalities to choose to exempt these same sales from local sales taxes through a local resolution or ordinance. The bill applies only to seafood in its original, unprocessed state sold at retail by the producer, not to restaurants or processors. The exemption would take effect on September 1, 2026.
HB 360 creates an annual sales tax holiday for firearms, ammunition, and specific hunting gear (like archery equipment, holsters, and suppressors) during the last weekend of August each year. This exempts the state sales tax on these purchases, directly affecting consumers buying these items during that period. Counties and municipalities may also choose to exempt local sales taxes on the same items during the holiday. The holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. on the last Friday in August until 12:00 a.m. on the following Sunday. Local governments must adopt opt-in resolutions by June 1 each year to participate.
SB 31 increases penalties for making terrorist threats in the first or second degree. It requires school officials to immediately contact law enforcement when a student makes a terrorist threat, and establishes procedures for student suspensions, readmittance, and restitution for victims. The bill directly affects individuals making threats (facing harsher criminal penalties), schools (mandating immediate reporting), and students involved in such incidents (subject to suspension and restitution requirements). Key provisions include enhanced criminal penalties, mandatory law enforcement notification by schools, and defined processes for student suspension and victim restitution. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee and does not specify exact penalty amounts or detailed suspension procedures in the provided context.
HB 3 exempts state sales and use taxes on fresh, unprocessed fish or seafood sold directly by anglers or fishermen (defined as "producers" in the bill). This applies only to retail sales of seafood in its original, unmanufactured state. Local counties and municipalities may choose to also exempt these sales from local taxes, but only if they adopt a specific resolution or ordinance. The exemption takes effect on September 1, 2026.
HB 2 proposes renaming the Gulf of Mexico "Gulf of America" for all state and local government purposes in Alabama. It requires state and local entities and their employees to use the new name in all new maps, documents, websites, and communications starting October 1, 2025, and to update existing materials where practical without causing financial or operational hardship. Public schools and universities may still use "Gulf of Mexico" in historical academic contexts. The bill would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
