HB 366 sets the annual salary for two Randolph County officials at $70,000 each. The Randolph County Revenue Commissioner will receive this salary starting October 1, 2026, replacing all previous fees and compensation. The Judge of Probate will receive the same $70,000 salary beginning October 1, 2027, also replacing all prior payments. Both salaries will be paid bi-weekly from the county's general fund and include eligibility for cost-of-living adjustments granted to other county officers.
HJR 138 is a symbolic resolution honoring Tharptown Baptist Church in Franklin County, Alabama, for over 130 years of community service. It commends the church for its historical role as a spiritual and social hub, including its ministries, educational efforts, and support through community challenges. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Alabama Legislature’s formal appreciation for the church’s "enduring legacy of faith and service." This is a non-binding commemorative gesture, not a bill affecting laws or regulations.
This resolution designates the second Sunday in September as "Louis Vuitton the Pit Bull Day" in Alabama. It honors Louis Vuitton, a pit bull who survived severe animal cruelty in 2007, endured 33 surgeries, and became a symbol of resilience before passing in 2018. The resolution encourages all Alabama residents to observe the day by supporting animal shelters and advocating for humane treatment of animals. It is a symbolic gesture with no binding legal requirements, solely intended to raise awareness about animal cruelty prevention.
This resolution (HJR 99) formally recognizes the 43rd Alabama State Games Opening Ceremony on June 12, 2026, as an "America 250 Alabama-certified event" honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. It specifically acknowledges the Alabama State Games' role in celebrating Alabama heroes - including military descendants, Native American contributors, and community leaders - and their historical contributions to the state and nation. The resolution has no policy or funding impact; it is purely a symbolic gesture of legislative support for the ceremonial event. It directly affects the Alabama State Games Foundation (ASF Foundation), which organizes the ceremony and its "Honoring Our Heroes" program. The resolution urges broader community participation but does not create new obligations or changes to law.
HB 368 changes the election cycle for Randolph County Commission members. Starting with the 2028 general election, commissioners from Districts 1, 3, and 5 will serve two-year terms, while other districts will have four-year terms. After 2028, all new commissioners will serve four-year terms at each subsequent election. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 367 establishes a $30 booking fee for defendants convicted or who plead guilty in Randolph County circuit or district court cases. This fee is collected alongside other court costs and cannot be waived unless all other case-related fees are waived. The revenue from this fee must be sent monthly to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Fund for use in local law enforcement. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 355 extends the maximum service period for temporary probate judges in Houston County from 90 to 180 days per appointment and increases their compensation from $50 to $100 per hearing. This bill directly affects temporary probate judges and Houston County's probate court system by modifying how long these judges can serve and how they are paid. Non-employee temporary judges receive the $100 per hearing rate from the judge's discretionary fund, while court employees serving as temporary judges receive no additional pay under this provision. The changes apply to Houston County probate court operations and take effect October 1, 2026.
SB 109 establishes Alabama's first legal framework for peer-to-peer car sharing platforms, authorizing services that connect vehicle owners with drivers for financial gain. The bill requires these platforms to meet specific standards, including minimum insurance coverage (matching Alabama's financial responsibility requirements), tax compliance, safety recall reporting, and consumer protection disclosures. It directly affects platform operators, vehicle owners using the service, and drivers, while explicitly excluding traditional rental companies and commercial leasing operations. Key provisions ensure liability coverage for third-party injuries or property damage during the shared vehicle period and mandate clear operational rules for all parties involved.
HB 421 proposes a constitutional amendment for Lawrence County that would allow residents aged 65 or older to freeze their property tax assessed value on their primary residence. To qualify, individuals must own the home as their principal residence for at least five years and claim the exemption in writing with the county revenue commissioner between October 1 and December 31, starting October 1, 2027. The exemption freezes the property’s assessed value at the prior year’s level but does not affect homestead exemptions, millage rate changes, or taxes on future property additions. This amendment requires voter approval to become part of Alabama’s constitution.
HB 371 proposes a constitutional amendment for Alabama to allow Pike County's Judge of Probate to handle equity cases (such as property disputes or trusts) concurrently with the circuit court, but only if the judge is a licensed Alabama attorney. If approved, these cases would be treated identically to circuit court cases under Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure. The amendment directly affects Pike County residents filing such cases in probate court and requires the judge to meet the attorney licensing condition. This change would streamline case handling without altering the court's jurisdictional boundaries.
HJR 14 is a ceremonial resolution mourning the death and celebrating the life of Ella Cobbs Cook, a Brown University student from Birmingham, Alabama, who died on December 13, 2025. The resolution honors her as a devoted student, active church member, and caring individual who prioritized others through her faith, family, and community involvement. It was adopted by the Alabama legislature with a voice vote on January 22, 2026, expressing sympathy to her family and noting her legacy. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond the ceremonial tribute.
HB 234 allows Jefferson County Sheriff to appoint special reserve deputies during "emergency writ conditions" (when more property seizure writs are issued than the sheriff can execute promptly). These deputies, who must be Alabama-certified peace officers not currently employed by the sheriff's department and trained within the last three years, execute property seizure writs and return them to clerks. Petitioners pay a $250 fee directly to the deputy (not the county) for this service, while the sheriff and county cannot collect fees for these actions. The bill establishes training requirements for deputies and grants them legal protections similar to regular deputies.
