HJR 51 establishes the Study Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Children's Internet Safety to examine how AI, social media, and internet access affect children. The commission, composed of diverse members including legislators, state officials, mental health representatives, and industry stakeholders, will study these impacts, research other states' approaches to child safety online, and develop legislative recommendations. It must submit a final report with findings and proposed legislation to the Alabama Legislature by November 1, 2026. This resolution creates a research body - not a law - and directly affects future policy discussions about children's online safety in Alabama.
HJR 128 is a ceremonial resolution commending former U.S. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett for his contributions to advancing "virtue and education." It amends an existing resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to specifically include this commendation. The bill does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals beyond honoring Bennett. As a procedural resolution, it is currently pending committee review in the House.
HB 467 changes compensation for members of the Tallassee City Board of Education. Currently unpaid, board members will receive a monthly allowance of up to $900 starting after board approval, and this allowance will convert to a salary effective June 1, 2026. The bill updates existing code language to reflect this change while maintaining the board's structure and election rules. It directly affects the seven members of Tallassee's school board.
HB 213 changes the official name of Alabama's port authority from "Alabama State Port Authority" to "Alabama Port Authority" throughout state law. It directs the Code Commissioner to update all references to "State Port Authority," "Alabama State Docks Department," and "Alabama State Port Authority" in the Code of Alabama to the new name. The bill repeals outdated 1975 laws establishing the authority (Chapter 13 of Title 33) because those provisions are now obsolete, but it does not dissolve the current port authority or alter its operations. This is a procedural name update to modernize legal references.
HB 356 transfers Houston County's responsibility for selling or redeeming land due to unpaid property taxes from the judge of probate to the revenue commissioner. This change directly affects property owners in Houston County who may face tax sales or redemption processes. The bill requires the revenue commissioner to handle all such duties moving forward, relieving the judge of probate of these tasks. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HB 38 creates the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to address seagrass loss in state marine waters. The task force, composed of state officials, university leaders, environmental representatives, and private sector members, will develop a 10-year restoration plan by 2027. It will coordinate research, test restoration technologies, and report annually to the Governor and legislature on progress and recommendations. The bill directly affects coastal ecosystems and communities dependent on healthy seagrass beds, which support fisheries and water quality. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab will manage task force funding and operations.
HB 442 updates Escambia County's rules for collecting cigarette and beer taxes. It allows the county to hire inspectors (up to $450/month for general tax enforcement, $500/month for beer tax) with reimbursement from tax funds, while repealing a 1953 beer tax law. The bill directly affects Escambia County officials (Commission, judge of probate) and businesses selling taxed products. Key changes clarify tax collection procedures, set budget limits for enforcement staff, and remove outdated provisions. It takes effect October 1, 2026.
HJR 96 is a formal resolution recognizing Alabama Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Ronald Wayne Hurst upon his retirement after over 20 years of military service. It specifically honors his combined service in the U.S. Navy (1987-1990) and Alabama Army National Guard (2005-2026), highlighting his roles, leadership, and awards including the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The resolution expresses the Alabama Legislature's "profound appreciation" for his dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces. As a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill), it has no binding effect and serves solely to publicly commend Hurst for his service.
This resolution extends the deadline for completing Alabama's Rural Roadmap initiative, originally set to conclude by the 2026 legislative session's fifth day. It gives the Alabama Growth Alliance and its leadership team until November 1, 2026, to finalize the roadmap, which aims to guide rural development statewide. The initiative will dissolve after this date, ending its formal duties. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a policy bill, so no direct policy changes are implemented.)
HJR 141 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Albertville High School Cheer Team for winning the 2026 National High School Cheerleading Championship in the Large Gameday Division. It recognizes their victory following a Class 7A state championship and multiple regional awards, including the American Spirit League Best Choreography Award. The resolution serves as a formal tribute with no policy changes or funding implications.
SJR 56 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the 150th anniversary of the founding of AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph Company) and the first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. It commends AT&T for its historical role in telecommunications innovation and its 150-year service to Alabama residents, highlighting its evolution from landline to modern broadband and wireless communications. The resolution encourages continued investment in communications infrastructure and suggests educators use the occasion to inspire student interest in STEM fields. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely to honor AT&T’s anniversary.
SJR 55 is a ceremonial resolution commending Alabama for its 2025 economic development achievements, specifically highlighting $14.6 billion in capital investment across 234 projects and 9,388 new jobs. It recognizes milestones like Eli Lilly’s $6 billion pharmaceutical investment in Huntsville, ArcelorMittal’s $1.2 billion Mobile facility, and $3.6 billion in foreign direct investment. The resolution expresses legislative gratitude to businesses and leaders for fostering growth across sectors including biosciences, automotive, and manufacturing. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policies or affect specific entities beyond acknowledging past economic success.
