HB 77 helps disabled veterans with a 100% VA disability rating by streamlining their access to property tax exemptions when applying for home mortgages. The bill requires tax officials to issue a "tentative certificate" of disability exemption upon receiving basic documentation (like VA disability proof and purchase agreements) within 20 days. It also prohibits lenders from including homestead property taxes in a veteran’s debt-to-income ratio calculation when processing their mortgage application. This directly affects veterans seeking home loans who qualify for Alabama’s homestead tax exemption. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 42 changes Alabama's process for reporting unclaimed towed vehicles. It allows tow truck operators (or others possessing a vehicle after towing) to report it as unclaimed to the Department of Revenue immediately after towing, rather than waiting up to five days after the vehicle was deemed unclaimed. The bill requires reporting via the Department's online portal, mandates checking vehicle history databases to find owners, and specifies that notices to owners must include redemption details and a 30-day deadline. If unclaimed, the vehicle's title is placed on a 60-day hold, preventing new title issuance until the owner claims it or the vehicle is sold under Alabama's Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act.
SB 314 amends Alabama Code Section 45-52A-35.08 to expand the Municipal Utilities Board of Decatur's authority over the city's public utilities. The bill directly affects the board managing Decatur's electric, gas, water, and wastewater services by allowing it to consolidate all financial operations, combine management under a single general manager, and create new departments (like administration or personnel) as needed. Key provisions clarify the board's power to organize operations efficiently while maintaining separate accounting for each utility. The changes do not alter utility rates or customer billing but streamline internal management under the board's control. The amendment becomes effective October 1, 2026.
SB 239 amends Alabama's child custody law to change how temporary emergency custody orders become final. Currently, courts must explicitly state that such orders become final. This bill removes that requirement, instead making temporary emergency custody determinations automatically final after six months if no other court takes jurisdiction. It directly affects parents and courts in Alabama handling urgent child safety cases under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), streamlining the process when no further action is taken by other states. The change takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 249 increases the annual fee for volunteer and professional firefighter distinctive license plates in Alabama from $1 to $10. The bill affects firefighters who qualify for these plates, including active and retired members of paid or part-paid fire departments. The additional fees collected are distributed equally (25% each) to four specific fire service funds: the Alabama Firefighter Memorial in Tuscaloosa, the Firefighter Peer Support Program, the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, and the Alabama Firefighters Emergency Relief Fund. This change modifies existing law to adjust both the fee amount and the allocation method for these funds.
This is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 61) passed by the Alabama legislature to honor and mourn the death of Shirley Ann Ross, a former educator and Montgomery resident. It commemorates her life, highlighting her 35-year career in Michigan schools, Alabama State University ties, community service, and family. The resolution contains no policy changes or legal provisions - it is purely a formal expression of condolence from the legislature. It does not affect any laws, policies, or individuals beyond serving as a memorial statement.
This resolution (HJR 149) requests that Alabama's Department of Transportation name a specific segment of U.S. Highway 84 in Conecuh County the "Larry Ryland Highway." It honors Larry Ryland, a retired business instructor and emergency services advocate who helped establish E-911 systems, grew EMT training programs, and secured funding for highway improvements. The bill asks the DOT to coordinate with local officials to potentially install signs designating this highway segment, though it does not mandate the change. The resolution is purely commemorative and does not create new laws or alter transportation policies.
HJR 162 is a resolution (not a law) urging the Alabama Medicaid Agency to evaluate the costs and potential savings of covering GLP-1 medications for weight management. It directs the agency to assess whether coverage could save money across the Medicaid program, consider new federal drug pricing models, and consult with providers. The agency must report its findings to the legislature before the 2027 session. This resolution directly affects approximately 110,000 Alabama Medicaid members who might qualify for these medications under current FDA guidelines.
HJR 148 is a memorial resolution honoring George Hardy Fleming, Sr., a West Blocton, Alabama resident and former military officer and law enforcement leader who died on February 15, 2026. The resolution commemorates his 20-year Army service (including Vietnam and escorting generals), his roles as West Blocton Chief of Police and Bibb County Sheriff, and his family life. It expresses the Alabama Legislature's "profound sorrow" at his passing and celebrates his "legacy of honor, courage, and lifelong dedication." As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any constituents.
HJR 158 is a symbolic resolution by the Alabama Legislature honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It commends former U.S. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett for his work promoting "virtue education" through his books, and encourages Alabama schools to consider incorporating character and virtue education into their curriculum. The resolution has no binding effect and does not mandate any changes to school programs. It is purely ceremonial, reflecting the legislature's support for educational values aligned with Bennett's advocacy.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 151) commending Pam Swanner, President of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, for being named a 2025 Women of Impact honoree. It recognizes her decades of work promoting tourism, economic development, and cultural preservation in Alabama's Black Belt region, highlighting how her efforts generated $3.8 billion in economic impact and supported 45,500 jobs. The resolution formally expresses the Alabama Legislature's high regard for her contributions to showcasing the Black Belt's cultural heritage and natural beauty. It does not create any new laws or funding.
HB 410 sets a new salary structure for Limestone County's sheriff. It replaces the previous rule (85% of the highest-paid 39th Judicial Circuit Judge's salary) with a fixed $149,000 annual base salary, effective January 18, 2027. The bill also requires the sheriff to receive the same cost-of-living increases as other county employees and prohibits personal financial gain from prisoner food accounts. This bill directly affects Limestone County's sheriff and county budgeting for law enforcement compensation.
