HB 179 authorizes local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to vote on whether to allow volunteer campus chaplains in their K-12 schools. If approved, these chaplains would be available to provide support, services, and programs at the request of any teacher. To qualify, volunteer chaplains must complete a recognized training program and undergo a criminal history background check. The bill specifically prohibits individuals convicted of offenses requiring sex offender registration from volunteering as campus chaplains.
HB 497 amends existing law concerning "weed liens" on properties in Shelby County, specifically the City of Alabaster. The bill clarifies that when a property with an outstanding weed lien is redeemed or sold by the state, the lien must be paid as part of that transaction. Upon full payment, the weed lien is extinguished. If the lien is not paid during a redemption or sale, it remains a valid and enforceable claim against the property until satisfied.
This bill authorizes the Escambia County Sheriff to establish procedures for using credit or debit cards to make purchases for the Sheriff's Office. It directly affects the Escambia County Sheriff and their office by granting this new purchasing method. Key provisions require the sheriff to adopt written policies, including monetary limits for purchases, procedures for card access, accurate record-keeping, and timely bill payments. Any rewards or rebates earned from card use must be deposited into the Sheriff's Office discretionary account. The bill clarifies that it does not authorize spending beyond appropriated funds or creating debt for the county commission.
This bill authorizes the Sheriff of Lawrence County to use credit and debit cards for official purchases of tangible personal property and services. The sheriff must establish written policies, including monetary limits for individual and monthly spending, procedures for card access, and requirements for accurate record-keeping and timely bill payment. Any rewards or rebates earned from card use must be deposited into the Sheriff's Office discretionary account. Purchases are to be paid from the Sheriff's Discretionary Fund, with travel expenses potentially covered by the general fund budget, without exceeding appropriated amounts or creating debt for the county commission.
HB 393 authorizes the City Council of Alabaster to establish and regulate up to two entertainment districts, each not exceeding a half-mile square. Within these designated areas, businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption can obtain a special permit. This permit allows their patrons to carry open containers of alcoholic beverages within the entertainment district's boundaries. However, patrons cannot bring outside alcoholic beverages into the district or take open containers into other licensed establishments. The City of Alabaster is responsible for enforcing these regulations and setting penalties for violations.
HB 434 addresses the compensation for the Sheriff of Talladega County. Beginning June 1, 2025, the sheriff will receive an annual expense allowance of $15,200.32, in addition to their current base annual salary. Effective January 18, 2027, the sheriff's base annual salary will be set at $112,000, at which point the previous salary and expense allowance provisions will become void. This bill also repeals several prior acts that previously determined the compensation for the Talladega County Sheriff.
HR 279 is a resolution celebrating the Montgomery County Street Cleanup Event held on June 15, 2025. It extends commendations and appreciation to the World Mission Society Church of God and all volunteers for their efforts in cleaning trash and debris from Vaughn Road, the Eastern Boulevard, and Perry Hill Road in Montgomery, Alabama.
HR 281 is a resolution from the House of Representatives of Alabama that recognizes and commends the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Incorporated (GMWA). The resolution honors GMWA for its contributions to celebrating and preserving gospel music, fostering community education, and spiritual enrichment, particularly on the occasion of its 58th Annual Convention in Montgomery, Alabama.
HR 277 is a resolution passed by the House of Representatives to formally mourn the death and celebrate the life of Mable Zinnerman "June" Poindexter, who passed away on April 16, 2025. This resolution acknowledges her contributions to her family and community throughout her 88 years.
House Resolution 280 is a commendatory resolution that expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' appreciation for Anat Sultan-Dadon, the Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States. It recognizes her exemplary service and contributions to strengthening political, economic, cultural, and academic partnerships between Alabama and Israel. The resolution commends her for her dedication and wishes her continued success.
HB 522 authorizes the Washington County Sheriff to manage and dispose of abandoned, stolen, or unclaimed personal property and firearms. The bill requires the Sheriff's office to maintain records of recovered items and allows rightful owners to reclaim their property within six months by providing proof of ownership and covering associated costs. Unclaimed general personal property may be sold at public auction after notice. Unclaimed firearms can be sold to federally licensed gun dealers through sealed bids or destroyed. Proceeds from these sales, after deducting expenses, will be deposited into the Washington County Sheriff's Fund for law enforcement use.
HB 72 amends provisions related to distinctive license plates for volunteer and professional firefighters. The bill increases the annual additional fee associated with these specialized motor vehicle plates, including raising the fee for retired professional firefighter plates from $1 to $10. It also revises the method for distributing the net proceeds collected from these additional fees, changing from fixed dollar amounts to percentage-based allocations among various recipients. Additionally, the funds generated by this increased fee will be subject to audit.
