HB 78 sets age-based screen time limits for children in early childhood education settings, directly affecting licensed child-care facilities, prekindergarten programs, and public kindergarten classrooms in Alabama. It prohibits screen time for children under two, limits it to 30 minutes daily (90 minutes weekly) for ages two to four, and requires all screen use to be "high-quality" and adult-supervised. The bill mandates annual staff training on screen time guidelines and requires the Department of Early Childhood Education to develop and publicly share free, research-based guidelines for parents. Compliance is tied to facility licensure and enforced by the Department of Human Resources, Department of Early Childhood Education, and local school boards. The law aims to align with pediatric recommendations by reducing excessive screen exposure during critical developmental years.
This is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 47) introduced by multiple Alabama senators to honor John J. Guthrie, Jr., a Cullman County resident who died on January 7, 2026. The resolution formally records the legislature's "profound sadness" at his death, celebrates his life - including his career in governmental affairs representing Alabama cities and businesses, his family, and his personal interests - and extends condolences to his surviving family. It has no policy impact or effect on any laws or groups; it is purely a commemorative tribute. The resolution was first read on February 17, 2026, and is moving through the legislative process.
SB 275 authorizes the City of Alabaster to establish up to two entertainment districts (each max 0.5x0.5 miles) through city council ordinance. The bill allows licensed alcohol venues within these districts to issue permits enabling patrons to carry open containers of alcohol *only within the designated district boundaries*, while prohibiting open or closed containers brought from outside the district. It requires the city council to regulate operating hours, revoke district designations, and enforce penalties for violations. This directly affects Alabaster alcohol licensees and patrons in the designated entertainment zones, effective June 1, 2026.
SJR 45 is a ceremonial resolution commending Alicia Cannon for 50 years of service to Alabama's judicial system. It honors her career as a Court Clerk and Stenographer (beginning 1976), her rise to Assistant Director of the Administrative Office of Courts Finance Division, and her role in managing court finances, saving state resources, and mentoring staff. The resolution expresses the legislature's gratitude for her "distinguished, impactful service" and "unwavering commitment" to Alabama's courts. As a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes, it does not affect laws, regulations, or any specific group.
This resolution (SJR 43) is a ceremonial tribute from the Alabama legislature to honor Mary Frances Holland on her 100th birthday. It celebrates her life, including her upbringing in Montgomery, her career as an auditor for the Alabama State Auditor's Office, and her role as a single mother. The resolution has no policy impact or effect on laws, budgets, or people - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition. The legislature formally commends her for her "perseverance, dedication, and positive outlook."
SB 276 establishes procedures for addressing overgrown vegetation that becomes a public nuisance in Alabaster, Alabama. It requires the city to notify property owners in writing about the nuisance, giving them 14 days (extendable to 28 days) to remove the vegetation or request a hearing before an administrative official. If the issue isn't resolved, the city can abate the nuisance itself and bill the property owner for costs, which become a lien on the property similar to property taxes. This affects all property owners in Alabaster whose plants are deemed a nuisance under the law.
This is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 44), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends the Stanhope Elmore High School Boys Bowling Team for winning the 2026 AHSAA Class 6A/7A State Championship. The resolution honors the team, coaches, and community for their achievement, specifically highlighting their championship victory, a dramatic comeback in the final game, and individual player recognitions. It has no legal effect or impact on policy.
HB 386 adds a $20 fee for pistol permits issued by Elmore County, effective October 1, 2026. The fee is split: $1 goes to the county general fund, and $19 is deposited into a new Sheriffs' Law Enforcement Fund. This fund must be used exclusively for law enforcement purposes by the sheriff's office, with no impact on existing sheriff funding sources. The bill directly affects individuals applying for pistol permits in Elmore County.
This resolution (SJR 48) formally honors Tommy Jacques, a Madison City Schools bus driver, for safely assisting a sick child on November 18, 2025. It recognizes his actions - pulling the bus over, calling for help, and providing first aid until paramedics arrived - which led to the child’s full recovery. The resolution is purely symbolic, expressing legislative appreciation for his quick response and ongoing safety efforts, with no policy changes or financial impact. It directly affects Tommy Jacques as the recipient of this formal commendation from Alabama’s legislature.
HB 409 authorizes the City of Alabaster to address overgrown plants that become public nuisances on property. It requires the city to provide property owners with written notice (allowing 14-28 days to remove the plants) and a hearing option before taking action. If unresolved, the city can abate the nuisance and charge the costs as a lien added to the property’s tax bill, collected alongside regular municipal taxes. This directly affects property owners in Alabaster with unmanaged vegetation deemed a public nuisance.
HB 408 allows the City of Alabaster to create up to two entertainment districts (each limited to a half-mile by half-mile area) through city ordinance. These districts would permit licensed alcohol businesses to serve patrons with open containers of alcohol within the district boundaries, but prohibit bringing open or closed containers from outside the district into any licensed establishment. The city council would regulate operating hours, revoke district designations, and enforce rules with penalties for violations. The law, set to take effect on June 1, 2026, directly affects Alabaster businesses and residents in designated entertainment zones.
HB 416 establishes the Cleburne County Economic Development Authority to lead industrial and economic growth efforts in Cleburne County, directly affecting local businesses, residents, and county decision-makers. The bill creates a board of directors (appointed by county commissioners from each district) to develop economic plans, with authority to offer tax breaks for job creation and issue bonds - but only with approval from the county commission and without exemptions for board members or their businesses. Funding will come from county appropriations, tobacco tax revenue, and grants. The authority becomes operational on October 1, 2026, and must hold its first meeting by November 1, 2026.
