HJR 4 is a memorial resolution passed by the Alabama Legislature to honor the life and service of Howard Sanderford, a former 33-year state representative (1989-2022) who died on January 7, 2026. The resolution commemorates his military service (U.S. Marine Corps, 1958 Beirut landing), career in information technology, leadership in the Alabama House (including committee chairs), and community contributions like championing Space Camp scholarships. It does not create new laws or policies but formally expresses the Legislature’s condolences to his family and celebrates his legacy of public service. The resolution was adopted unanimously on January 13, 2026, and enrolled the following day.
This resolution (SJR 8) requests the Alabama Department of Transportation name the bridge on U.S. Highway 98 spanning Big Creek Lake in Wilmer as the "Lamar Harrison Memorial Bridge." It honors Lamar Harrison, a Wilmer resident who owned local businesses, supported community institutions like Mobile Christian School and Faulkner University, and served in the Alabama National Guard. The resolution asks the DOT to coordinate with local officials to designate the bridge and install appropriate markers, consistent with existing laws. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new law or affect policy, but formally recognizes Harrison's community contributions.
HB 193 modifies Marshall County's election procedures by changing who selects the voting tabulator custodian (requiring the presiding circuit judge, circuit clerk, and presiding district judge to serve on the selection committee) and clarifying the custodian's specific responsibilities. These duties include testing voting machines, ensuring ADA-compliant equipment functions properly, managing equipment delivery/pickup, and conducting public tests. The bill also significantly increases the custodian's annual salary from $8,900 to $27,000, effective July 1, 2026, with potential future increases. This bill directly affects Marshall County election staff and operations, focusing on standardizing and funding the custodian role.
SJR 6 is a ceremonial resolution mourning the death of former Alabama State Representative Bryant Melton Jr. (1940-2025) and celebrating his life and service. It formally records the legislature's "profound sorrow" over his passing and honors his 24-year legislative career (1982-2006), during which he was the first Black legislator elected from Tuscaloosa County since Reconstruction. The resolution highlights his work redesigning local government structures for greater representation, sponsoring economic development bills, and his community leadership as an educator, veteran, and pastor. As a joint resolution, it has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute from the Alabama legislature to Melton's legacy.
This is a commemorative resolution (SJR 12) passed by Alabama's legislature to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Postal Service, which was established in 1775. It recognizes the postal service's historical role in American communication, commerce, and infrastructure, noting its growth from 75 colonial post offices to over 30,000 locations today. The resolution invites Alabama residents to participate in the anniversary by writing letters, buying stamps, or acknowledging postal employees. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition.
This is a commemorative resolution (SJR 4) honoring Dorothy Lee "Dot" Hatcher, a Montgomery seamstress and community member who died on December 23, 2025. The resolution formally mourns her passing and celebrates her life, highlighting her career as a tailor at Custom Creations, her role as a devoted mother to Senator Kirk Hatcher, her church involvement, and her service to Montgomery. It does not create any new laws or policies - it is solely a ceremonial tribute by the Alabama legislature. The resolution is offered to the Hatcher family and the community as a formal expression of respect.
SJR 5 recognizes Pineywoods cattle as Alabama's official heritage cattle breed. The resolution highlights the breed's historical significance as one of North America's oldest cattle types (introduced by Spanish settlers in the 1500s), its agricultural contributions to Alabama, and its unique traits like disease resistance. It also notes the breed is listed as threatened nationally with fewer than 1,000 annual registrations. The resolution directs copies to be sent to the Alabama Department of Agriculture, the Livestock Conservancy, and Pineywoods breeders to promote awareness and conservation efforts. This is a symbolic recognition with no new funding or regulatory changes.
SJR 9 is a memorial resolution honoring the late Alabama State Representative Samuel Alan Harper, who served House District 61 from 2006 to 2018. The resolution formally records the legislature's "profound sorrow" over his death at age 68 and celebrates his career in public service, economic development work, and community contributions. It does not create any policy changes or affect any individuals or entities beyond expressing condolences to his family. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with substantive provisions.
HB 84 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Covington County's Judge of Probate to handle certain types of cases (like property disputes or family matters) concurrently with the circuit court, but only if the judge is licensed to practice law in Alabama. This would give the probate judge the same legal authority as a circuit court judge in those cases, treating them identically to circuit court filings. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage and would apply specifically to Covington County cases originally filed in probate court. It does not change how other counties or courts operate.
SB 12 repeals Act 2025-294, which had allowed a specific community development district in a dry county to be annexed by a nearby wet municipality. This bill directly affects the designated community development district and the wet municipality that could have annexed it under the repealed law. The repeal removes the authorization for this specific annexation process but does not change the existing rule that allows dry counties to create districts where alcohol sales are permitted. The bill does not alter general alcohol sales rules in dry counties. The repeal is procedural and would take effect immediately upon passage.
HJR 5 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Alabama State Representative Samuel Alan Harper (2006-2018), who died on December 18, 2025. The resolution formally records the legislature's "profound sorrow" over his passing and celebrates his public service, including his work with the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority (bringing over 4,000 jobs and $500 million in investment) and his 12-year tenure in the Alabama House. It highlights his personal life, family, and community contributions, such as his role as a woodworker and devoted family man. This resolution has no policy impact - it is a ceremonial expression of respect for Harper's legacy and condolences to his family.
HB 52 extends Alabama's tax deduction for contributions to ABLE savings accounts (for people with disabilities) from expiring in 2025 to December 31, 2030. It also increases annual funding for the CHOOSE Act, which provides education tax credits for low-income families, raising the annual deposit from $100 million to $150 million. The bill makes technical adjustments to the funding process, including allowing additional funds if program demand reaches 90% usage. These changes directly affect Alabama taxpayers who contribute to ABLE accounts or use CHOOSE Act credits for education expenses.
