HJR 179 is a resolution passed by Alabama's legislature urging Congress to authorize a federal reliability report on Marine Highway 65 (a key waterway corridor including the Tennessee River and Mobile River systems). It specifically requests the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assess infrastructure vulnerabilities at locks like Demopolis, Holt, and Wilson, which have experienced failures. The resolution, supported by Alabama and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority, aims to inform future investments and maintenance for this critical transportation network. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests federal action in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026.
HJR 152 is a ceremonial resolution commending Thomas A. Harris for his contributions to Alabama. It recognizes his work founding Merchant Capital (named Alabama's top investment bank by Thomson Reuters), establishing the Birmingham Recovery Center, and leading conservation efforts through Alabama Black Belt Adventures. The resolution specifically notes his 2024 induction into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame and service on environmental and community boards. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes.
HB 491 authorizes Tallapoosa County's Judge of Probate to charge a fee for remote access to court records via digital systems. The fee, collected from individuals or entities accessing records online, must be deposited into a special fund managed by the Judge of Probate. These funds are specifically designated for maintaining, operating, and improving the county's electronic record-keeping and remote-access services. The bill also confirms that fees collected for this purpose prior to its effective date (June 1, 2026) are valid and approved.
HJR 172 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Alabama legislature to commemorate the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson following his death on February 17, 2026. The resolution honors his decades of civil rights advocacy, including his work with the SCLC, founding of Operation PUSH/Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and two presidential campaigns. It contains no new laws or policy changes - it solely expresses the state's collective respect for his contributions to social justice through "servant leadership and peaceful protest." This is a standard commemorative resolution with no direct impact on constituents or policy.
HJR 180 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Alabama Legislature to commemorate the 170th anniversary of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity's founding at the University of Alabama. It formally recognizes SAE as the only national fraternity established in the antebellum South and honors the Alabama Mu Chapter as the birthplace of the national organization. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any group legally - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of historical significance. It highlights the fraternity's founding date (March 9, 1856), its founders, and its current status as one of the largest national fraternities.
HB 490 adjusts the salaries for two Tallapoosa County officials. It sets the revenue commissioner's annual salary at $100,000 starting June 1, 2026, replacing current pay until that date. Similarly, it sets the judge of probate's annual salary at $106,000 effective June 1, 2026, superseding prior salary laws. These changes apply only to Tallapoosa County's revenue commissioner and judge of probate, with all payments coming from the county's general fund.
HJR 156 is a ceremonial resolution mourning the death of David Thomas Gallaher, a Huntsville, Alabama musician known as "Microwave Dave," and celebrating his musical legacy. It honors his life as a blues musician, educator, and community figure who performed with bands like Microwave Dave & the Nukes, hosted a blues radio show, and co-founded the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation. The resolution specifically recognizes his contributions to music education in North Alabama, including scholarships for students and his role in promoting blues history. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or funding provisions - its sole purpose is to formally record the legislature's tribute to his life and work.
HJR 150 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 3, 2026, as "Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Day" at the Alabama State Capitol. It commends the fraternity on its 115th anniversary, highlighting its founding in 1911, global membership of over 250,000, and community-focused programs. The bill has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely serves to honor the organization through a symbolic legislative acknowledgment. This resolution was adopted by the Alabama Legislature on February 26, 2026.
HB 163 allows Alabama counties and municipalities to partner with private companies to fund energy efficiency projects on properties. Property owners can voluntarily agree to pay for these projects through special assessments added to their property taxes, with local governments not guaranteeing repayment. The bill removes state oversight of these programs by repealing previous requirements about loss reserve funds and regulatory jurisdiction. It directly affects local governments, private financiers, and property owners who choose to participate in energy improvement programs.
SB 160 adopts the Athletic Trainer Compact, allowing licensed athletic trainers in Alabama to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects athletic trainers seeking to work across state lines and patients who gain easier access to care. The bill establishes a Compact Commission to manage mutual recognition of licenses, streamline disciplinary procedures, and share licensing information among member states. Key provisions include requiring uniform licensing standards, enabling telehealth services, and supporting military families relocating across states. This reduces administrative burdens for trainers and enhances public access to athletic training services.
HB 277 allows licensed oyster aquaculture facilities in Alabama to harvest, shuck, and serve oysters directly at their site for free customer tasting samples to evaluate taste and texture. It removes the current requirement for a separate Alabama Department of Public Health permit for this specific activity, though it does not change existing rules about oyster harvesting limits. The bill specifically applies to facilities already holding aquaculture licenses and takes effect on October 1, 2026. This change aims to support local oyster producers by enabling direct consumer engagement without additional regulatory hurdles for tasting purposes.
This constitutional amendment proposes allowing Escambia County's district court to hold sessions in the county courthouse for cases involving municipal ordinances from any municipality in the county that lacks its own municipal court. It directly affects Escambia County municipalities without municipal courts and the county's judicial system by enabling district court to handle these cases centrally. The amendment requires voter approval to become part of Alabama's constitution, as specified in Section 3 of the bill.
