SJR 66 is a symbolic resolution honoring Alabama's economic partnership with Quebec. It recognizes Quebec as Alabama's second-largest auto export market (70% of imports), largest aircraft parts supplier, and key provider of aluminum for manufacturing. The resolution formally expresses Alabama's commitment to strengthening ties and directs that a copy be sent to Quebec's government office in Atlanta. It does not create new laws or alter policies, serving only as a ceremonial acknowledgment of existing economic collaboration.
SB 259 prevents certain fee increases from applying to counties in Category 1 or 3 as defined in existing law. It amends Section 12-19-90 to exclude these counties from fee adjustments mandated by Act 2000-108. This directly affects counties classified as Category 1 or 3 on June 1, 2000, by reducing their required fee increases under the current law. The bill changes how existing fee rules apply to specific counties without creating new fees or requirements.
SB 202 would increase compensation for Montgomery County sheriffs who serve two or more consecutive terms. It provides a $70,000 annual expense allowance (in addition to existing pay) and establishes a new salary range of $175,000 to $225,000 per year for qualifying sheriffs. The allowance ends when the current sheriff's term concludes or if the office becomes vacant, while the salary increase applies to future terms starting after the bill passes. All payments would be funded from Montgomery County's general fund.
This bill updates the structure and authority of the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors, which oversees licensing for electrical contractors and journeyman electricians in the state. It extends the terms of board officers from one year to three years and authorizes the board to hire compliance officers to investigate consumer complaints about licensed contractors. The legislation also requires contractors to display their certification numbers and company names on all business documentation, advertising, and service vehicles, while giving the board power to establish minimum repair and service standards with a 30-day notice period before implementation. Additionally, the bill mandates that licensees follow local electrical code standards where applicable and includes technical updates to align existing code language with current formatting standards.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Chambers County, Alabama to levy a property tax specifically to support volunteer fire departments. The tax would apply to all real property in the county except in areas where paid fire departments already provide services, which can opt out by passing a local resolution. Collected funds would be distributed to volunteer fire associations based on the area they serve and could only be used for equipment, facilities, training, and operational costs, not salaries or administrative expenses. The amendment would be voted on by voters in a special election scheduled for November 2026.
This bill requires licensed veterinarians in Alabama to provide written prescriptions to clients upon request, provided the medication is medically safe for home use and a veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists. The legislation mandates that veterinarians inform clients before dispensing medications that they can request written prescriptions to fill at pharmacies of their choice, and requires all veterinary facilities to post signs notifying the public of this right. Exceptions allow veterinarians to withhold written prescriptions when immediate dispensing is necessary to prevent suffering or when federal or state laws restrict the medication. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026, and applies to both paper and electronic prescriptions transmitted directly to pharmacies.
This bill requires catastrophe savings accounts in Alabama to be held only at state-based banks, credit unions, or veterans financial institutions. It directly affects insurance policyholders who use these accounts to pay for deductibles, mitigation costs, or FORTIFIED endorsements related to windstorm damage on residential property. The legislation defines a catastrophe savings account as a regular savings or money market account labeled specifically for qualified catastrophe expenses and limits policyholders to one such account. The rules apply to tax years starting on or after January 1, 2027, with the bill taking effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 360 proposes expanding the Public Service Commission to include representatives from congressional districts and revises commissioner term lengths, with changes phased in by the 2029 election. The bill also establishes the Secretary of Energy as a cabinet-level position and updates how electric utility rates are calculated. Additionally, it protects unclassified employees currently appointed by commissioners from losing their jobs, requiring the Secretary of Energy to work with the State Personnel Board to transition them into classified service. These changes aim to restructure state energy and utility oversight while protecting existing staff employment conditions.
SB 243 sets a $7.50 annual fee for pistol permits in Jefferson County, with a $37.50 fee for five-year permits. The bill specifies how these fees are split: $4.50 goes to a retirement system, $0.50 to the sheriff's fund, and $2.50 to a new Jefferson County Legislative Delegation Office Fund. If the Legislative Delegation Fund exceeds $120,000, excess funds must be distributed to public schools based on student enrollment (using 2013-2014 data) for school operations and security. The bill affects Jefferson County pistol permit holders and county finances, with no changes to permit eligibility or requirements.
HB 488 proposes a constitutional amendment for Chilton County to allow residents aged 65 or older who own single-family homes as their primary residence to claim a property tax exemption. The exemption freezes the property’s tax value at its 2026 assessment level (effective October 2027) for eligible homeowners who have lived in the home as their primary residence for at least five years. It requires written application to the county revenue commissioner by December 31, 2027, and does not affect homestead exemptions or millage rate changes. This amendment must be approved by Chilton County voters to become part of Alabama’s constitution.
SB 252, known as the Sarah Caldwell Crosby Act, clarifies that employees of Alabama's Governor's Mansion Authority are part of the unclassified service under the state's Merit System Act. This change affects how these employees are managed and their eligibility for benefits, aligning them with standard unclassified state staff. The bill also requires that any employee working for the authority as of its effective date receives payment for their accumulated leave upon separation from the job. This codifies an existing practice and ensures a specific benefit for current employees without altering future hiring rules.
SJR 50 is a ceremonial resolution commending Tim Carter, a Fairhope High School football coach retiring after 35 years of service, for his coaching record (70-49 at Fairhope, 168-102 overall), community impact, and focus on student development. It formally recognizes his contributions to Alabama students through symbolic legislative praise. The resolution has no policy changes or financial provisions - it solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Alabama legislature.
