SB 160 adopts the Athletic Trainer Compact, allowing licensed athletic trainers in Alabama to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects athletic trainers seeking to work across state lines and patients who gain easier access to care. The bill establishes a Compact Commission to manage mutual recognition of licenses, streamline disciplinary procedures, and share licensing information among member states. Key provisions include requiring uniform licensing standards, enabling telehealth services, and supporting military families relocating across states. This reduces administrative burdens for trainers and enhances public access to athletic training services.
HB 335 modifies Jefferson County's pistol permit fee structure under Alabama law. It sets a $7.50 annual fee and $37.50 five-year fee for pistol permits, with the county treasurer distributing these funds as follows: $4.50 annually to the retirement system, $0.50 to the Sheriff's Fund, and $2.50 to a new Jefferson County Legislative Delegation Office Fund. Funds in this office fund exceeding $120,000 trigger automatic distribution to Jefferson County public schools based on student enrollment, including Gardendale School System upon separation. The bill directly affects Jefferson County residents applying for pistol permits and county financial operations.
HB 100 establishes the Alabama Background Check Service for non-criminal justice background checks (e.g., for employment or licensing) and creates the Alabama Rap Back Program, which automatically notifies employers if an individual's background changes. It sets annual fees up to $12 for participating entities like businesses and organizations using these services. The bill repeals existing laws governing the release of criminal history information and requires the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to adopt rules for operating these programs. This affects entities seeking background checks for non-criminal purposes, streamlining access while adding fee structures and automated update mechanisms. The bill is currently pending committee review (as of January 13, 2026).
HB 277 allows licensed oyster aquaculture facilities in Alabama to harvest, shuck, and serve oysters directly at their site for free customer tasting samples to evaluate taste and texture. It removes the current requirement for a separate Alabama Department of Public Health permit for this specific activity, though it does not change existing rules about oyster harvesting limits. The bill specifically applies to facilities already holding aquaculture licenses and takes effect on October 1, 2026. This change aims to support local oyster producers by enabling direct consumer engagement without additional regulatory hurdles for tasting purposes.
This constitutional amendment proposes allowing Escambia County's district court to hold sessions in the county courthouse for cases involving municipal ordinances from any municipality in the county that lacks its own municipal court. It directly affects Escambia County municipalities without municipal courts and the county's judicial system by enabling district court to handle these cases centrally. The amendment requires voter approval to become part of Alabama's constitution, as specified in Section 3 of the bill.
HB 332 requires Alabama's Department of Human Resources to create a mandatory anaphylaxis response policy by August 1, 2027. Licensed day care centers must implement this policy starting January 1, 2028, and notify parents in writing about the policy annually. The bill also mandates that all day care employees complete anaphylaxis training every two years and maintain certification. This policy includes emergency protocols for severe allergic reactions, individualized care plans for children with allergies, and strategies to reduce allergen exposure. It directly affects all licensed day care centers and their staff in Alabama.
HB 227 creates a nonprofit entity under Section 501(c)(3) to manage judicial education programs for Alabama judges, circuit clerks, and court staff. The nonprofit can hold funds outside the state treasury (with annual audits), accept nonpublic donations, and receive state transfers for educational activities, while prohibiting funds from being restricted to specific individuals. It also exempts the Alabama Judicial College Education Fund from state sales/use taxes through 2031. The bill directly affects judicial education funding mechanisms, not specific people or policies.
HB 308 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Mobile County residents aged 65 or older to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, homeowners must own a single-family, owner-occupied home used as their principal residence for at least five years before claiming the exemption. The exemption freezes the property’s assessed value from the year prior to claiming (effective October 1, 2027), while requiring annual renewal through the Mobile County Revenue Commissioner by December 31 each year. This change would directly affect Mobile County seniors meeting the age and residency criteria, but requires voter approval to become part of Alabama’s constitution.
SB 231 updates Alabama's security law to cover the new State House building (bounded by Pelham Street, South Jackson Street, and Washington Avenue), its adjacent parking deck, and the park between South Union Street and the new building. It also extends security responsibilities to official legislative events held off-site within Alabama. The bill amends existing law to require security personnel to protect these specific locations, with the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency handling perimeter security. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, once the new complex is operational.
SB 196 exempts public K-12 schools from Alabama's public works bidding law ($100,000+ threshold) when purchasing or installing playground equipment. Instead of following the public works law's competitive bidding requirements, schools would use standard competitive bidding rules applicable to such purchases. The bill directly affects public school districts purchasing playground equipment, removing the need for the more complex public works bidding process. This change streamlines procurement for playground equipment without altering other bidding requirements for school construction projects.
SB 237 clarifies that Alabama's ethics laws do not restrict public universities from accepting grants, conducting research, collaborating with others, or developing intellectual property through technology transfer agreements. The bill directly affects public institutions of higher education and their staff by removing ambiguity that might have discouraged such activities under existing ethics rules. It specifies these exceptions apply only when activities follow the institution's own established policies. The law takes effect on June 1, 2026, and does not alter broader ethics requirements for public employees.
HB 214 bans foreign nationals - including individuals not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, foreign governments, and foreign-owned U.S. entities - from contributing to Alabama state/local campaigns, political parties, or ballot measures. It also prohibits political committees and parties from soliciting or accepting such funds, with violations punishable as Class C felonies. The bill defines "foreign national" broadly and includes limited exceptions for dues or event fees under specific conditions. Effective October 1, 2026, it aims to prevent foreign influence in Alabama elections by aligning with federal campaign finance standards.
