HB 326 expands tax exemptions for Alabama Masonic lodges. It adds all subordinate lodges under the Prince Hall Grand Lodge and the regular Grand Lodge to existing state tax exemptions, covering sales, county, and municipal fees until September 2027. Local governments may also choose to exempt these groups from local sales taxes. Lodges must annually report all subordinate locations to the state revenue department.
HB 188 revises Alabama's criminal code for "making a terrorist threat" by clarifying the definition of a threat and adjusting penalties. It specifies that a second-degree threat occurs when someone credibly threatens violence or property damage using weapons (including firearms or explosives), with the threat causing fear or harm. The bill increases penalties for repeat offenses: a second violation becomes a Class D felony (previously a misdemeanor), while first offenses remain Class A misdemeanors. This directly affects individuals making threats against people, schools, religious properties, or public officials, as defined by the revised legal standards.
HB 15 would exempt eyeglasses and contact lenses from Alabama's sales and use tax. Currently, these items are taxed under state law, but the bill would remove that tax obligation. This change would directly affect consumers purchasing optical aids and retailers selling them, as they would no longer pay or collect tax on these items. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 40-23-1 to add eyeglasses and contact lenses to the list of tax-exempt products.
HB 11, titled "Jolee's Law," prohibits judges from granting youthful offender status to individuals aged 16 or older charged with capital murder (per Section 13A-5-40) or murder (per Section 13A-6-2(a)(1)). It directly affects defendants in these specific homicide cases, requiring them to be charged, arrested, and tried as adults rather than as youthful offenders. The bill amends Alabama law to block youthful offender status in these cases, though defendants may qualify if charges are later reduced to lesser offenses. It also adds victim notification requirements (10 days prior to hearings) and mandates courts to consider victim injury evidence before ruling on youthful offender status. The bill is pending in the House Judiciary Committee as of January 2026.
This bill authorizes Shelby County to sell gas, minerals, and other resources recovered from its public landfill to public or private buyers. The county must use competitive bidding to select the lowest responsible bidder for these sales, with contracts limited to a maximum of 20 years. All money earned from these sales must be deposited into the county's General Fund and used for solid waste collection, landfill maintenance, and other legally permitted purposes. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026, and would apply only to Shelby County.
HB 504 modifies Wilcox County's rules for mailing vehicle license renewals through the probate office. It sets a $3 maximum fee for standard mail renewal applications (processed as postcards) and allows a $10 fee for priority mail delivery of license plates or decals. The bill requires the county commission to establish these fees, which are collected by the probate judge and deposited into the county's general fund. This directly affects Wilcox County residents renewing vehicle licenses and the county's probate office handling mail services.
SB 205 updates the definition of "excavation" to explicitly include activities like drilling, marine construction, pile-driving, and trenching before digging begins. This change directly affects contractors and utility companies working on complex projects involving underground utilities. The bill requires these parties to use the One-Call notification system before starting work that could damage buried infrastructure, ensuring safer construction practices. It does not create new obligations but clarifies which activities must follow existing notification rules.
This bill is a formal resolution honoring the life and death of LeBarron Christopher Horn, a 58-year-old mail carrier from Mobile, Alabama who passed away on March 7, 2026. The resolution records the House of Representatives' mourning of his death and celebrates his life, noting his 30-year career with the United States Postal Service and his military service in the Army. It extends sympathy to his family, including his wife Tonya Williamson and son Joshua, and acknowledges his community contributions and personal qualities. This type of commemorative measure serves to publicly recognize an individual's life and impact without creating new laws or policies.
This bill is a resolution honoring the life and death of Phillip Edward Hinkle, a resident of Homewood, Alabama, who passed away on March 10, 2026. It records the House of Representatives' sadness at his death and celebrates his contributions to the family business, community, and outdoor sports. The resolution extends sympathy to his surviving family members, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and other relatives. It serves as a formal tribute rather than creating new laws or policies.
This bill is a resolution that formally recognizes and honors Mrs. Evie Mae Watson of Brewton, Alabama, on the occasion of her 100th birthday. The text celebrates her life milestones, including her long marriage, family history, community involvement at First Assembly of God Church, and contributions to her family and neighbors through cooking and preserving food. The resolution expresses the legislative body's appreciation for her life accomplishments and wishes her well for the future. This type of bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of an individual.
This bill is a resolution honoring Rose Cecelia Smith Williams, a lifelong Mobile, Alabama resident who passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 80. It formally records her death and celebrates her life, noting her career as a secretary, educator, and owner of Music World, one of Mobile's first Black-owned record companies. The resolution acknowledges her family members and friends who will remember her and expresses appreciation for her faith, kindness, and community contributions.
This bill allows Alabama municipalities to charge business licenses to certain construction and trade companies that work within city limits but do not have a permanent office there. It specifically targets licensed contractors such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, general contractors, and home builders who operate on temporary job sites. The law requires these businesses to either pay a flat fee or a percentage of their gross earnings from work done in the municipality, while also allowing them to avoid double taxation by excluding income already taxed in other municipalities. Additionally, the bill exempts these businesses from licensing requirements when working on county-owned projects like roads and bridges. The changes take effect on October 1, 2026.
