SJR 14 is a symbolic resolution commending Drew and Lauren Wendland of Autaugaville, Alabama, for being named "America's Top Young Farm Family" by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The resolution recognizes their achievements as winners of the Alabama Farmers Federation's 2025 Outstanding Young Farm Family competition and their subsequent national award, highlighting their work managing Autauga Farming Company (which grows row crops, raises cattle, and operates a fertilizer business), their community involvement, and their role as fifth-generation farmers. This resolution does not create any new policies or provide funding - it is solely a formal expression of legislative praise.
This resolution (SJR 26) is a formal expression of mourning by the Alabama Legislature for John "Johnny" David Williams, a prominent sports figure from Tuscaloosa who died on February 4, 2025. It honors his career as a coach, athletic director (including at Troy University and the University of Alabama), and creator of college football bowl games like the Camellia Bowl. The resolution specifically acknowledges his contributions to Alabama sports, his family, and his community, offering condolences to his surviving family members. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact any policy changes or affect any laws.
SJR 24 is a memorial resolution honoring John Waller Giles, a Montgomery-area resident and public servant who died on January 17, 2026. The resolution commemorates his life, career (including roles as Alabama's Small Business Advocate and founder of Peaches'n Clean), and community contributions, such as developing a voting "report card" for legislators. It expresses the Alabama Legislature's collective grief over his passing and celebrates his faith, family, and service. This resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves as a formal legislative tribute.
This resolution (SJR 23) commemorates the life and mourns the death of Junior Harold Sorrells, a respected Opp, Alabama trucking industry leader, community advocate, and devoted family man who passed away January 15, 2026. It honors his 65-year marriage, his 15-year service on the Opp Chamber of Commerce, his leadership in the Alabama Trucking Association (including receiving the Chester Webb Award), and his lifelong support of Auburn University. The resolution, adopted by the Alabama legislature, expresses collective grief and tribute to his legacy of service without creating any new laws or policies. As a commemorative resolution, it does not affect any laws or individuals beyond this symbolic recognition.
HB 181 requires entities dredging over 1 million cubic yards of material annually in Alabama's coastal areas to use at least 70% of that dredged material for "beneficial use," such as restoring habitats, creating recreational areas, or industrial applications. It explicitly excludes simply dumping material into public waters unless part of shoreline restoration or marsh creation projects. Exceptions include situations where federal funds are available for beneficial use or during a state emergency declared by the Governor. The law, set to take effect October 1, 2026, applies only to large-scale coastal dredging operations.
SJR 15 is a commemorative resolution honoring Mary Ann Peak Phelps, a Tuscaloosa, Alabama, civic leader who died in 2025 at age 93. It expresses the Alabama legislature's sorrow at her passing and celebrates her decades of volunteer work with community organizations like the YMCA, Parks Authority, and Hospice of West Alabama, including her role in funding the Manderson Cancer Center. The resolution serves solely to memorialize her contributions and offer condolences to her family, with no policy changes or direct impact on laws or constituents.
SB 35 consolidates Alabama's current vessel registration fees (a $5 fixed fee plus a length-based fee) into a single annual fee structure. It directly affects all boat owners in Alabama who register their vessels, as the bill replaces the previous two-fee system with one unified fee. The key mechanism specifies that $5 from each registration fee goes to the State Reservoir Management Grant Fund, while the remainder (excluding the $2 processing fee) funds the State Water Safety Fund for administrative costs. The bill also updates code language for clarity but does not change the staggered registration system or vessel classification rules.
HB 57 modifies Carrollton's city boundaries in Pickens County, Alabama, by adding two specific parcels of land to its corporate limits. Parcel 1 (approximately 1 acre) and Parcel 2 (approximately 0.8 acres) are described in detail, located in Section 32 of Township 20 South, Range 15 West. The bill requires a map of the proposed boundary change to be filed with the Pickens County probate office for public review and takes effect on October 1, 2026. This change directly affects property owners within the newly included parcels.
SB 66 revises governance rules for the University of Montevallo's board of trustees and president position. It changes board member term lengths, updates the minimum number of members needed to conduct business (quorum), and revises qualifications required for the university president. The bill specifically exempts trustees appointed and confirmed before January 1, 2027, from the new term limits. These changes directly affect the University of Montevallo's board of trustees, its president, and the university's governance structure. The bill focuses on procedural and structural adjustments to the board's operations.
HB 194 increases the annual salary for Marshall County's revenue commissioner from $67,500 to $106,781, effective July 1, 2026. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 45-48-241.05 to replace the current salary figure and establish the new amount as payable in monthly installments from the county's general fund. This directly affects the Marshall County revenue commissioner, who is responsible for collecting and managing county tax-related fees and commissions.
This resolution (SJR 20) formally commends the Alabama Birth Equity Initiative, a Black women-led coalition addressing Alabama's maternal health crisis. It recognizes their work to combat high maternal mortality rates - disproportionately affecting rural, Black, and Indigenous communities - through midwifery training, mobile health units, and addressing systemic issues like medical racism and food insecurity. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but expresses legislative support for the initiative's community-centered approach to improving prenatal care and birth outcomes. It specifically highlights their focus on expanding midwifery access and "wraparound" services like housing and childcare support.
HB 112 revises annual compensation for specific St. Clair County officials, directly affecting the sheriff, judge of probate, revenue commissioner, county commission chair, and commission members. Starting in 2026, the sheriff’s total compensation will reach $160,000 annually (effective 2027), while the judge of probate, revenue commissioner, and commission chair will receive $130,000 annually. Non-chair commission members will receive $45,000 annually, with all new rates replacing prior expense allowances. The bill repeals multiple previous acts governing these positions’ pay and takes effect June 1, 2026.
