SB 114 expands Alabama's warrantless arrest authority to include any felony charge from another state (previously limited to death or life imprisonment cases), affecting individuals charged with serious crimes in other states. It also allows out-of-state law enforcement officers to arrest suspects during "fresh pursuit" after fleeing across state lines while chasing someone suspected of committing a felony in their home state. The bill requires arrested individuals to be promptly presented to a judge for a hearing to verify the arrest's legality, with outcomes including detention for extradition or release if unlawful.
HB 208 proposes amending Alabama's constitution to raise the maximum age for qualifying as Walker County's probate judge from the current limit to 75 years. It would allow candidates to be elected or appointed as probate judge if they are under 75 at the time of qualifying for the position. This change specifically affects individuals seeking the probate judge role in Walker County, not statewide judicial positions. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage to become part of Alabama's constitution.
HB 210 proposes a constitutional amendment for Fayette County, Alabama, allowing residents aged 65 or older to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, seniors must own a single-family home as their principal residence for at least five years prior to claiming the exemption, which freezes the property’s assessed value at the prior year’s level. The exemption requires written application to Fayette County’s Revenue Commissioner between October 1 and December 31, 2027, and remains in effect as long as the property continues as the owner’s primary residence. This change does not affect millage rates or other existing exemptions like the homestead exemption.
SB 89 repeals Alabama's statewide laws governing the State Pilotage Commission and bar pilot licensing requirements, specifically removing Sections 33-4-1 through 33-4-14 and 33-4-30 through 33-4-57 of the Code. This affects bar pilots statewide who previously required state licensing under these rules, but it does not impact pilotage commissions in Class 2 municipalities. The bill eliminates the state-level regulatory framework for bar pilots while preserving municipal-level commissions. It becomes effective June 1, 2026.
This constitutional amendment proposes allowing Blount County's Judge of Probate (if licensed to practice law in Alabama) to handle certain cases involving fairness and justice (like property disputes) concurrently with the circuit court. It applies only to cases originally filed in Blount County's Probate Court, treating them identically to circuit court cases under standard civil procedures. The amendment requires the probate judge to be a licensed attorney and would take effect only after voter approval. It does not change existing court structures but expands jurisdiction for qualified judges in one specific county.
HB 64 proposes a constitutional amendment for Colbert County to allow residents aged 65+ to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, a homeowner must own a single-family home as their principal residence for at least five years before claiming the exemption, and the exemption freezes the property's assessed value from the prior year. The exemption requires written application to the county revenue commissioner between October 1 and December 31, 2027, for the 2027 tax year, and remains valid as long as the homeowner continues living there. This would directly affect Colbert County seniors meeting these specific residency and ownership criteria.
HB 65 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Franklin County residents aged 65 or older to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, seniors must own the home as their principal residence for at least five years and meet income requirements (not detailed in the bill text). The exemption freezes the property’s assessed value from the year before claiming it, but does not affect homestead exemptions or millage rate changes. The amendment requires voter approval and would take effect for tax years beginning October 1, 2027, with claims due by December 31, 2027. This is a proposed change to the state constitution, not yet law.
HB 59 updates Alabama's Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing rules. It allows the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy to send notifications (like rule proposals or charges) via email instead of U.S. mail. The bill removes specific statutory educational requirements for CPA certification, giving the board authority to set those rules instead, and revises exam content by removing certain required subjects. It also restricts firms from advertising as "CPA firms" without registration, adds requirements for nonlicensed owners of CPA firms, and eliminates eligibility for individuals who have declared intent to become U.S. citizens but haven't naturalized yet. These changes directly affect CPA applicants, licensed CPAs, and CPA firms operating in Alabama.
SB 56 proposes a constitutional amendment for Walker County, Alabama, allowing residents aged 65 or older to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, individuals must own a single-family home as their main home for at least five years and apply in writing between October 1 and December 31, 2027. The exemption freezes the property’s assessed value from the year before claiming it, though taxes may still rise if local millage rates increase. It does not affect eligibility for other exemptions like homestead benefits, and the exemption continues as long as the property remains the owner’s primary residence. The amendment requires voter approval to take effect.
SB 64 amends Alabama law to change how Marshall County selects and supports its voting machine custodian. It requires the presiding circuit judge, circuit clerk, and presiding district judge to join the selection committee, clarifies the custodian’s 12 specific duties (including testing machines, ADA compliance, and equipment handling), and increases the custodian’s salary from $8,900 to $27,000 annually starting July 2026. The bill directly affects Marshall County election staff and the custodian position, focusing on operational clarity and compensation for managing voting equipment. It becomes effective June 1, 2026.
This is a commemorative resolution (SJR 10) honoring Claudette Colvin, a Montgomery, Alabama, civil rights activist. It formally records the Alabama legislature's mourning of her death while celebrating her life and legacy, particularly her 1955 refusal to give up her bus seat - nine months before Rosa Parks' similar act - which led to the landmark *Browder v. Gayle* Supreme Court case ending bus segregation. The resolution highlights her later recognition, including a 2021 expungement of her juvenile arrest record, and her ongoing impact through her foundation and family. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any rights or obligations.
This resolution (SJR 13) formally commends the Alabama chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) for their work in preserving American history, promoting patriotism, and supporting education. It highlights their specific activities, including DAR’s founding of the Kate Duncan Smith School (serving 1,300+ students) and SAR’s efforts to document Revolutionary War lineage and historical preservation. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Alabama Legislature’s appreciation for these organizations’ community contributions.
