HB 573 updates the qualifications for individuals seeking to become the Sheriff of Escambia County, effective June 1, 2025. It requires candidates to be U.S. citizens, county residents and registered voters for at least one year, and possess a high school diploma or GED, and be at least 25 years old. The bill also modifies the law enforcement experience requirement, mandating three years of full-time service and specifying that if a candidate has retired, they must have three years of post-retirement full-time law enforcement experience. Additionally, an elected sheriff must annually complete 12 hours of executive-level continuing education.
HR 309 is a resolution that formally commends Retired Staff Sergeant Wesley Porter. It recognizes his leadership and mentorship as the coach of the Alba Robotics Team 14180A, acknowledging his significant contributions to student success and STEM education.
HB 601 updates the financial operations of the Escambia County Sheriff's office. It consolidates various financial accounts into a single "Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund" and increases fees by $15 for each document requiring personal service in both civil and criminal court cases within Escambia County. The bill specifies that the sheriff can use funds from sources like service fees, fundraising events, fingerprinting fees, and pistol permits for law enforcement purposes. These funds will not revert to the county's general fund at the end of the fiscal year. It also ratifies certain past financial actions by the sheriff.
HB 571 updates the administration and enforcement of local cigarette and beer taxes in Escambia County, directly affecting the County Commission and the judge of probate. The bill authorizes the county governing body to create rules for tax collection and requires them to provide funds for the judge of probate to purchase necessary administrative supplies. It also allows the county to employ inspectors to assist in enforcing these taxes, increasing the monthly spending limit for these positions and clarifying that expenses are reimbursed from tax revenues. Additionally, the bill repeals an older 1953 act related to the Escambia County beer tax.
House Bill 363, known as the Fair Campaign Practices Act, prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures in Alabama elections. The bill directly affects foreign nationals, as well as political campaigns, ballot measures, political parties, and political action committees operating within the state. It amends existing state code to define "foreign national" and outlines penalties for any violations of these prohibitions.
Senate Resolution 86 establishes a special order calendar for the Alabama Senate's twenty-sixth legislative day. This resolution prioritizes a specific list of House and Senate bills, making them the paramount order of business for that day and taking precedence over other legislative matters.
SB 334 amends the distribution of sales and use tax proceeds collected by Lauderdale County. Effective October 1, 2025, the bill establishes a new allocation method for these funds. After covering collection costs, a portion is first directed to the Shoals Economic Development Fund, based on Colbert County's prior contributions. The remaining proceeds are then split, with 55% going to the Lauderdale County Commission and 45% to the City of Florence, both for economic development purposes within their respective jurisdictions.
SB 337 amends existing Alabama law to further define the compensation for the judge of probate in Montgomery County. The bill introduces a new provision stating that a Montgomery County Judge of Probate who has served at least six full years will receive a total salary equal to that of a circuit judge with comparable years of service. This specific compensation structure will supersede any other compensation previously provided by law for such long-serving judges.
HR 312 is a commemorative resolution that celebrates the 100th birthday of Maurine W. Brewer of Talladega County. The resolution acknowledges her life, family, work, and community involvement as she reached this milestone.
HB 521 addresses the distribution, retail sale, and taxation of mixed spirit beverages. It establishes a state tax for these products that replaces other state, county, or municipal taxes previously based on sales volume. The bill limits counties' ability to levy license or privilege taxes, stating these cannot be measured by sales volume and must not exceed one-half of the state license fee. Municipalities retain the authority to issue business licenses for mixed spirit beverage wholesalers, importers, or retailers, but these licenses also cannot be based on sales volume.
HB 479 revises how Alabama maintains its statewide voter registration list by removing the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) as a database for identifying voter address changes. The bill requires the Secretary of State to conduct voter list maintenance through the "Alabama Voter Integrity Database" and continue using the U.S. Postal Service's change-of-address information. It outlines procedures for election officials to verify voter addresses by mail, updating records or changing a voter's status to inactive if they do not respond. The bill affects registered voters and state election officials responsible for maintaining accurate voter rolls. Additionally, it allows the Secretary of State to share information with other states for list maintenance purposes.
HB 161 authorizes county and municipal governing bodies to establish permitting and inspection programs for non-residential buildings. It directs the Division of Construction Management to review and potentially update state building codes every six years, beginning in 2027, to align with international model building codes. The bill specifies that these provisions generally do not apply to residential buildings, certain agricultural structures, or licensed healthcare facilities, which may follow their own regulations. Additionally, it sets minimum standards for energy codes and clarifies requirements for professional seals on certain construction documents.
