HB 389 expands the definition of "domestic violence victim" to include children of household members who live with or visit the defendant. It establishes mandatory temporary holding periods for domestic violence arrests, requires specific bond conditions for released defendants, and increases penalties for third-degree domestic violence and strangulation offenses. The bill also adds factors for law enforcement to determine the "predominant aggressor" in mutual complaints, mandates specific victim notification language, prohibits polygraph exams for victims, and requires reporting of domestic violence incidents without arrests. These changes directly affect domestic violence victims, law enforcement officers, and courts in Alabama.
HB 433 requires the removal of residential addresses from all public campaign finance filings in Alabama. It directly affects candidates and officials who submit campaign finance reports by mandating that the Secretary of State redact these addresses before publishing filings on the public Alabama FCPA Reporting System database. The bill amends existing law to ensure home addresses are never visible in searchable online records of contributions or expenditures. This change applies to all electronic filings starting with the 2014 election cycle, as updated in the current text. The law will take effect on February 1, 2027.
HB 486 revises Alabama's voting rights restoration process, automatically restoring voting rights for most individuals convicted of felonies after completing their sentences (excluding serious crimes like murder or rape), eliminating the need for separate applications. It removes current restrictions on absentee voting, allows all voters to cast absentee ballots, and adds a new advance voting period before elections with specific hours and dates. The bill also creates the Alabama Voting Rights Commission to review election actions that might discriminate against protected voter groups and requires preclearance for certain election-related decisions. Additionally, it mandates the Secretary of State maintain a public election database to improve administration transparency. These changes directly affect formerly incarcerated voters, all Alabama residents, and election officials.
This bill requires Alabama's smallest cities (Class 3 municipalities) to maintain at least two full-time police officers for every 1,000 residents, based on the 2020 census. Cities not meeting this standard by October 1, 2026, receive a five-year grace period to gradually increase staffing by at least 10% annually. If a city fails to comply after the grace period, Alabama's law enforcement agency (ALEA) can take operational control, create a correction plan, deploy state officers, or appoint a chief officer. The state may also seek reimbursement from the city for costs incurred during oversight. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 513 updates the Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute's (AIDT) requirement to align building projects with the statewide economic development strategic plan. It formally codifies AIDT's existing exemptions from state contract review (including legal services contracts) and state procurement rules for non-public works purchases. These changes apply to AIDT, a Department of Commerce division providing workforce training for businesses and workers. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not create new policies but formalizes current practices.
This resolution (HJR 189) is a non-binding legislative expression of support for increased funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Alabama. It urges the Alabama Legislature to appropriate an additional $150 million in the 2026 session to expand CTE programs, building on prior funding of $100 million allocated for regional career technology centers. The resolution highlights that 34% of Alabama jobs by 2031 will require post-high school education below a bachelor’s degree, and CTE prepares students for key industries like bioscience and advanced materials. It directly affects Alabama’s public school districts and students participating in CTE programs by advocating for future state funding to support infrastructure and training. As a resolution, it does not allocate funds but formally recommends this action to the Legislature.
SB 294 simplifies bonding requirements for Alabama public officials. It clarifies that county officials’ bonds are no longer subject to state bonding rules, requires offices to notify officials when bonds are deficient, and gives them 15 days to fix issues before losing their position. The bill also authorizes Alabama’s Division of Risk Management to offer a program where they can forward required bonds to the appropriate office on behalf of state or county officials who request it. This affects county and state officers, employees, and officials who must file bonds to hold office, making the process more streamlined.
HB 337 proposes a constitutional amendment for Madison County, Alabama, to bring specific privately owned sewer systems under regulation by the Public Service Commission (PSC). It applies only to private sewer operators that: (1) use public roads for their systems, (2) discharge to certain wastewater facilities, and (3) charge flat or usage-based fees. These systems would then be regulated by the PSC for rates and service standards, though counties or municipalities with existing agreements with the sewer providers can opt out of PSC oversight for those customers. The amendment requires voter approval and includes a five-year restriction if a local government later seeks to revert to PSC regulation after opting out.
SB 222 prohibits the use of automated driving systems (ADS) to operate oversized vehicles that require a permit under existing Alabama law (due to exceeding weight, width, length, or height limits). The bill also clarifies that state and local governments are not required to upgrade transportation infrastructure to accommodate ADS-equipped vehicles. Additionally, it prevents local or state entities from imposing new taxes or specific operational requirements on ADS vehicles. The law will take effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 88 exempts Alabama's K-12 schools and public higher education institutions from requiring inspections and recommendations by the Division of Construction Management for capital improvement projects valued under $750,000. Currently, these institutions must still submit projects for ADA and fire/safety inspections even if under $750,000, but the bill would eliminate all such inspection requirements for small projects. This change would reduce administrative steps for schools and institutions on minor construction work like repairs or upgrades. The bill also includes minor technical updates to align the state code with current formatting.
This bill proposes changing Alabama's official state song from "Alabama" to "Stars Fell on Alabama." It achieves this by amending state law to officially recognize "Stars Fell on Alabama" as the state song, while explicitly stating that this change does not violate copyright laws. The legislation also clarifies that counties, cities, and state agencies remain free to use other songs for local or ceremonial purposes. If passed, the new designation would take effect on October 1, 2026.
This bill creates a one-time refundable tax credit for eligible Alabama individual taxpayers filing returns for the 2025 tax year. To qualify, a person must have filed a state income tax return for both 2024 and 2025 and cannot be a nonresident, an estate, or a dependent claimed on another taxpayer's 2024 return. The credit amount is based on the taxpayer's 2024 tax liability or a fixed dollar amount determined by their 2025 filing status, such as $250 for single filers or $500 for married couples filing jointly. The refund will be automatically issued by the state tax department, applied to any outstanding debts owed to the state, and will not include interest or be treated as taxable income.
