HB 332 requires Alabama's Department of Human Resources to create a mandatory anaphylaxis response policy by August 1, 2027. Licensed day care centers must implement this policy starting January 1, 2028, and notify parents in writing about the policy annually. The bill also mandates that all day care employees complete anaphylaxis training every two years and maintain certification. This policy includes emergency protocols for severe allergic reactions, individualized care plans for children with allergies, and strategies to reduce allergen exposure. It directly affects all licensed day care centers and their staff in Alabama.
HB 227 creates a nonprofit entity under Section 501(c)(3) to manage judicial education programs for Alabama judges, circuit clerks, and court staff. The nonprofit can hold funds outside the state treasury (with annual audits), accept nonpublic donations, and receive state transfers for educational activities, while prohibiting funds from being restricted to specific individuals. It also exempts the Alabama Judicial College Education Fund from state sales/use taxes through 2031. The bill directly affects judicial education funding mechanisms, not specific people or policies.
HB 308 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Mobile County residents aged 65 or older to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, homeowners must own a single-family, owner-occupied home used as their principal residence for at least five years before claiming the exemption. The exemption freezes the property’s assessed value from the year prior to claiming (effective October 1, 2027), while requiring annual renewal through the Mobile County Revenue Commissioner by December 31 each year. This change would directly affect Mobile County seniors meeting the age and residency criteria, but requires voter approval to become part of Alabama’s constitution.
SB 231 updates Alabama's security law to cover the new State House building (bounded by Pelham Street, South Jackson Street, and Washington Avenue), its adjacent parking deck, and the park between South Union Street and the new building. It also extends security responsibilities to official legislative events held off-site within Alabama. The bill amends existing law to require security personnel to protect these specific locations, with the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency handling perimeter security. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, once the new complex is operational.
SB 196 exempts public K-12 schools from Alabama's public works bidding law ($100,000+ threshold) when purchasing or installing playground equipment. Instead of following the public works law's competitive bidding requirements, schools would use standard competitive bidding rules applicable to such purchases. The bill directly affects public school districts purchasing playground equipment, removing the need for the more complex public works bidding process. This change streamlines procurement for playground equipment without altering other bidding requirements for school construction projects.
HB 214 bans foreign nationals - including individuals not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, foreign governments, and foreign-owned U.S. entities - from contributing to Alabama state/local campaigns, political parties, or ballot measures. It also prohibits political committees and parties from soliciting or accepting such funds, with violations punishable as Class C felonies. The bill defines "foreign national" broadly and includes limited exceptions for dues or event fees under specific conditions. Effective October 1, 2026, it aims to prevent foreign influence in Alabama elections by aligning with federal campaign finance standards.
HB 77 helps disabled veterans with a 100% VA disability rating by streamlining their access to property tax exemptions when applying for home mortgages. The bill requires tax officials to issue a "tentative certificate" of disability exemption upon receiving basic documentation (like VA disability proof and purchase agreements) within 20 days. It also prohibits lenders from including homestead property taxes in a veteran’s debt-to-income ratio calculation when processing their mortgage application. This directly affects veterans seeking home loans who qualify for Alabama’s homestead tax exemption. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 42 changes Alabama's process for reporting unclaimed towed vehicles. It allows tow truck operators (or others possessing a vehicle after towing) to report it as unclaimed to the Department of Revenue immediately after towing, rather than waiting up to five days after the vehicle was deemed unclaimed. The bill requires reporting via the Department's online portal, mandates checking vehicle history databases to find owners, and specifies that notices to owners must include redemption details and a 30-day deadline. If unclaimed, the vehicle's title is placed on a 60-day hold, preventing new title issuance until the owner claims it or the vehicle is sold under Alabama's Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act.
SB 314 amends Alabama Code Section 45-52A-35.08 to expand the Municipal Utilities Board of Decatur's authority over the city's public utilities. The bill directly affects the board managing Decatur's electric, gas, water, and wastewater services by allowing it to consolidate all financial operations, combine management under a single general manager, and create new departments (like administration or personnel) as needed. Key provisions clarify the board's power to organize operations efficiently while maintaining separate accounting for each utility. The changes do not alter utility rates or customer billing but streamline internal management under the board's control. The amendment becomes effective October 1, 2026.
SB 239 amends Alabama's child custody law to change how temporary emergency custody orders become final. Currently, courts must explicitly state that such orders become final. This bill removes that requirement, instead making temporary emergency custody determinations automatically final after six months if no other court takes jurisdiction. It directly affects parents and courts in Alabama handling urgent child safety cases under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), streamlining the process when no further action is taken by other states. The change takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 249 increases the annual fee for volunteer and professional firefighter distinctive license plates in Alabama from $1 to $10. The bill affects firefighters who qualify for these plates, including active and retired members of paid or part-paid fire departments. The additional fees collected are distributed equally (25% each) to four specific fire service funds: the Alabama Firefighter Memorial in Tuscaloosa, the Firefighter Peer Support Program, the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, and the Alabama Firefighters Emergency Relief Fund. This change modifies existing law to adjust both the fee amount and the allocation method for these funds.
This is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 61) passed by the Alabama legislature to honor and mourn the death of Shirley Ann Ross, a former educator and Montgomery resident. It commemorates her life, highlighting her 35-year career in Michigan schools, Alabama State University ties, community service, and family. The resolution contains no policy changes or legal provisions - it is purely a formal expression of condolence from the legislature. It does not affect any laws, policies, or individuals beyond serving as a memorial statement.
