HB 441 allows any municipality within Escambia County to contract directly with the county sheriff to provide full police services, including enforcing local laws and ordinances within the municipality's boundaries. The municipality must pay the county treasury for the necessary staffing and equipment, with funds managed by the county commission for service delivery. The sheriff may also receive a supplemental salary for additional duties related to these contracts, paid separately from their regular pay. This bill directly affects Escambia County municipalities seeking alternative police services and the sheriff's office, creating a formal framework for such agreements.
HB 365 updates the salary structure for Talladega County's sheriff. It freezes the current base salary through January 17, 2027, while adding a $15,200.32 annual expense allowance starting immediately. Effective January 18, 2027, the sheriff will receive a new base salary of $112,000 per year, replacing all previous compensation rules. The bill repeals nine prior state laws (from 1957 to 2021) that governed the sheriff's pay, applying only to Talladega County.
This resolution (HJR 142) formally honors Coach Tim Carter for his 35-year career as a high school football coach in Alabama, specifically recognizing his retirement after leading Fairhope High School's team to an 70-49 record and eight playoff appearances. It commends his overall 168-102 career record, leadership at Monroe Academy and Auburn High, and his focus on building character and integrity in student-athletes beyond athletic achievements. The resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute from the Alabama Legislature to acknowledge his contributions to Alabama schools and students. (Note: As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on any group.)
HB 485 proposes a constitutional amendment for Clarke County to allow residents aged 65+ to claim a senior property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, individuals must own a single-family home as their principal residence for at least five years, and the exemption freezes the property’s assessed value as of October 1, 2026, for future tax calculations. Claimants must apply in writing with the Clarke County Revenue Commissioner between October 1 and December 31, 2027, and must continue living in the home to maintain the exemption. The exemption does not affect homestead exemptions, millage rate changes, or taxes on property additions after claiming it. This amendment requires voter approval through a statewide election under Alabama’s constitutional process.
HJR 88 is a resolution expressing legislative support for establishing a state veterans cemetery in northern Alabama, specifically near Madison County. It directly affects Alabama veterans, particularly those in Huntsville and surrounding areas who currently must travel over 100 miles to the nearest active veterans cemetery in Tennessee. The resolution directs the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs to proceed with establishing and operating this cemetery, citing the state's need for more facilities to honor its 400,000 veterans. As a non-binding resolution, it does not fund or create the cemetery but formally endorses the initiative.
HJR 123 is a symbolic resolution recognizing March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Alabama. It does not create new laws or requirements but encourages Alabamians aged 45 and older (and others at higher risk per their healthcare provider) to get recommended colorectal cancer screenings. The resolution highlights that early detection through screening significantly improves survival rates and could prevent many deaths, as current screening rates remain low. It specifically aims to promote public awareness about prevention and early detection during March 2026. This is a non-binding recognition effort, not a policy change.
HJR 134 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Boaz High School Cheer Team for winning the 2026 National High School Cheerleading Championship (Division II Varsity Coed Non-Tumbling Competition). It formally recognizes their victory, highlights their 16 state championships and four national titles, and honors head coach Tiffany Rhoden and specific team members. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely offers symbolic praise through official legislative recognition.
SJR 53 is a ceremonial resolution commending Alicia Cannon for 50 years of service to Alabama's judicial system. It recognizes her career with the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC), starting as a Clerk and Stenographer in 1976, and her progression to roles including Purchasing Director and Assistant Director of the AOC Finance Division. The resolution highlights her stewardship of public funds, mentorship of staff, and contributions to court operations across Alabama. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a formal expression of legislative appreciation.
HJR 140 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Elaine Sessions on being named the 2025 Citizen of the Year by the Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce. It formally recognizes her decades of community service, including 48 years in real estate, teaching, mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and volunteer work with organizations like McKemie Place homeless shelter and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Alabama Legislature's formal commendation. This type of resolution is standard recognition for community leaders and does not impact laws, funding, or regulations.
HB 459 modifies how Henry County handles special transaction fees collected by the Judge of Probate. It sets a $5 maximum fee per transaction and requires the first $2 to be kept in a special fund for the Judge's office to cover record-keeping and equipment costs, while any amount over $2 goes directly to the county's general fund. The Judge of Probate may also transfer funds from the special fund to the general fund at their discretion. This bill directly affects Henry County's Judge of Probate office and its financial management of these specific fees.
HB 159 allows circuit clerks in Alabama who independently qualify for both a supernumerary program and the Employees' Retirement System to participate in both, provided they use separate work periods for each. Currently, state law prevents circuit clerks from using the same service years for both programs. The bill amends retirement law to permit dual participation when service years are distinct. It will take effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 182 requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to accept military education, training, and experience as credit toward emergency medical services (EMS) personnel licensure. This directly affects veterans and active-duty military personnel (including National Guard and Reserves) seeking EMS licenses in Alabama, provided they also submit proof of passing the National Registry exam. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 22-18-4 to explicitly include military service under acceptable qualifications, while removing outdated language and making minor technical updates to the code. It does not change other licensure requirements, such as completing approved EMS courses or passing exams.
