SB 319 establishes a civil service system for permanent city jobs in Helena, Shelby County, replacing the 1992 civil service law. It creates a Personnel Board (with employee-elected and appointed members), appoints a director to manage personnel, and sets standardized rules for hiring, promotions, and appeals for city employees. The bill defines key terms like "regular position" and "eligible register" to ensure consistent application of hiring processes, including open-competitive recruitment and merit-based advancement. This directly affects Helena city employees, hiring managers, and applicants for city jobs.
HB 370 establishes population-based compensation tiers for county officials in Alabama, affecting sheriffs, county commissioners, judges of probate, tax assessors, and other local elected roles. It sets a $50,000 annual minimum for sheriffs and provides category-specific raises (e.g., 20% for Category 3 counties) for commissioners and judges of probate, while capping expense allowances for tax officials at $10,000 annually (which converts to base salary after a term). Counties in Category 1 (over 450,000 population) are exempt from these rules, and local governments may opt out via resolution before October 1, 2000. The bill updates existing pay structures retroactively, replacing prior compensation sections.
SB 305 allows Alabama public K-12 schools and charter schools to accept volunteer campus chaplains, but only if local school boards or charter governing bodies vote to permit it. To serve, chaplains must complete a recognized training program, pass a criminal background check, and cannot have been convicted of a sex offense requiring registration. Chaplains would provide services at the request of teachers, not as a school mandate. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not require state certification for chaplains.
HB 516 would expand the audit authority of Alabama's Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to include local water boards and authorities organized under Title 11 of the Alabama Code. Currently, these entities are exempt from such audits. The bill allows the department to conduct one-time audits of these nonprofit water service providers (excluding municipal or county systems) for a reasonable fee, and a second audit if fraud or mismanagement is suspected. This change applies to water boards not incorporated under Title 11 that provide water service to members or the public, effective October 1, 2026.
HB 526 requires businesses with at least six employees to accept cash for in-person purchases, directly affecting most retail stores, restaurants, and service providers. It mandates that these businesses cannot refuse cash payments or force credit use, with key exceptions for airports (requiring two cash-accepting vendors), parking facilities, car rentals (which may accept checks instead), and cash-to-prepaid-card kiosks (limited to $5 minimum deposits). The law would take effect on October 1, 2026, and does not apply to online transactions or businesses offering alternative payment methods like mobile apps. It aims to protect consumers who prefer cash, particularly in communities with limited digital access.
HB 524 requires all Alabama state agencies to conduct quarterly, AI-assisted reviews of every rule and guidance document they manage. It mandates agencies to acquire or develop advanced AI systems that analyze rules for conflicts with laws, duplication, excessive costs, lack of plain language, and unnecessary burdens. Agencies must have staff with subject-matter expertise review and approve all AI recommendations before any rule changes - no rule can be amended solely based on AI analysis. Agencies must also publish annual reports detailing review results, cost savings, and changes made, starting in 2027. This bill directly affects all state agencies by requiring systematic, AI-supported rule updates and transparency.
HB 528 creates the Alabama Dementia Network within the Alabama Department of Public Health to improve dementia care across the state. It requires the department to establish regional hubs providing clinical education, diagnostic services, family support, and referrals, while partnering with agencies like Medicaid, senior services, and nonprofits. The bill mandates data collection on program effectiveness and annual public reporting of outcomes and recommendations. It does not require new state funding, allowing support through existing federal funds, grants, or partnerships. The network directly serves Alabamians living with dementia and their caregivers.
HJR 109 is a ceremonial resolution commending former Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon on his retirement from public service. It formally recognizes his 16-year service in the Alabama House of Representatives (2006-2022), his tenure as Speaker (2016-2022), and his subsequent role as Madison County Commission Chair. The resolution highlights his career as a police officer, veteran, and advocate for education funding, infrastructure projects, and healthcare initiatives during his legislative service. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding policy effect and solely serves to honor his contributions.
HB 457 proposes a constitutional amendment for Morgan County, Alabama, allowing residents aged 65 or older who own single-family homes as their primary residence for at least five years to freeze their property tax based on the home's value as of October 1, 2026. Qualifying homeowners must apply in writing with the Morgan County Revenue Commissioner between October 1 and December 31, 2027, to claim the exemption, which remains in effect as long as they continue living in the home. The exemption does not affect other tax exemptions or millage rate changes but applies only to the original property value, with new additions subject to standard taxation. This amendment requires voter approval to become law, as it modifies the state constitution.
HJR 112 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing four Macon County, Alabama community leaders - Lucy Mae Young Calloway, Walter Lee Cooley, Johnnie Barnett Harrison, and Michael Wilson - for their lifelong contributions to the area. It formally commends their service in education, military, business, and community organizations, including roles at schools, libraries, churches, and local institutions. The resolution honors them at a specific event on February 21, 2026, at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.
HB 436 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Cullman County residents aged 65 or older to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, individuals must own the home as their main residence for at least five years before claiming the exemption, which 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, and continues as long as the home remains their primary residence. This change would take effect on October 1, 2027, pending voter approval through a local election.
HB 531 would exempt contractors working on public highway, road, or bridge construction projects from paying state taxes on natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used during construction. Specifically, it removes utility gross receipts tax, utility service use tax, and state sales and use tax on these fuels for licensed contractors or subcontractors under government contracts. Counties and municipalities may also adopt similar local tax exemptions for the same purpose. The bill, set to take effect on September 1, 2026, applies only to projects funded by governmental entities as defined in Alabama law.
