HB 23 requires individuals to obtain a permit to carry assault weapons in vehicles or on their person, as well as to purchase or acquire them. The bill defines "assault weapons" as specific semiautomatic firearms with features like detachable magazines, pistol grips, or folding stocks (excluding antique firearms and manually operated weapons). Exceptions include law enforcement officers, military personnel, and possession on private property or in one's home. Violating these requirements would be a Class C felony, with a 90-day grace period for inherited weapons. The bill, pending committee review, would take effect on October 1, 2025.
HB 60 would automatically restore voting rights for some individuals previously convicted of felonies (excluding specific offenses like murder or sexual crimes) upon completion of their sentences, removing the need for a separate application process. It eliminates qualifying requirements for absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to request an absentee ballot. The bill establishes the Alabama Voting Rights Commission to review election-related actions for potential discrimination against protected voter groups and requires preclearance for certain election changes. Additionally, it mandates the Secretary of State to create a statewide database tracking election administration details and publicize relevant voting information.
HB 62 would allow candidates, public officials, and their campaign committees to use campaign funds for dependent care expenses, such as childcare or elder care, during campaign activities or while performing official duties. This amendment to Alabama's campaign finance law adds dependent care as a new permitted expense category, which was not previously allowed under existing rules. The bill specifically defines "dependent care expenses" as costs incurred for caring for dependent children, disabled individuals, or others for whom the candidate has caregiving responsibility during campaign or office work. It would directly affect candidates and officeholders with caregiving responsibilities during their campaigns or official service.
This bill requires the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC Board) to adopt rules within 120 days enabling businesses that sell alcoholic beverages to conduct employee training and testing online. Employees must score at least 70% on the test to complete the program, covering topics like underage sales prevention and handling intoxicated customers. If the ABC Board fails to adopt these rules by the deadline, it loses authorization to operate retail liquor stores. The bill also updates existing code language to reflect current style without changing core training requirements.
The provided context does not include sufficient details about SB 28's specific provisions, mechanisms, or policy changes. The bill's title ("Pharmacy Board, licensure and regulation of pharmacists and operation of board") and abstract ("Pharmacy Board") are too vague to describe concrete changes or who it affects. Without information on proposed regulations, licensing requirements, or operational updates, a factual summary cannot be created. The bill is currently pending committee review but lacks substantive details in the provided context.
HB 19 would create Alabama's "Ebony Alert System" to notify the public about missing Black youth aged 12-25 who face specific risks, such as potential abduction, trafficking, disability-related danger, or unexplained circumstances. Law enforcement must determine the missing person meets defined criteria (e.g., safety endangerment, non-voluntary disappearance) before requesting activation. If approved, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency would coordinate alerts via radio, TV, social media, and changeable message signs to aid recovery. The bill is pending in the House Public Safety Committee and would take effect October 1, 2025, if passed.
This bill requires firearm owners to store guns in a manner that makes unauthorized access unlikely (e.g., locked containers or safes). It would directly affect gun owners, particularly those with children or others living in the household. The bill establishes criminal penalties for failing to meet this storage standard, though specific penalty levels aren't detailed in the provided context. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Judiciary Committee and has not yet advanced. Without additional details on the exact storage requirements or penalty structure, a more specific summary cannot be provided.
SB 15 prohibits both adult and juvenile sex offenders from working or volunteering as first responders, including paramedics, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. This amendment to Alabama law (Sections 15-20A-13 and 15-20A-31) directly affects individuals convicted of sex offenses who seek these roles. The bill expands existing restrictions - previously limiting sex offenders from schools, childcare, and youth facilities - to explicitly ban first responder positions. Violating this prohibition carries a Class C felony penalty.
HB 71 establishes a new in-person early voting system for Alabama's general and special elections (excluding municipal elections), beginning with the 2026 November election. It allows any qualified voter to cast an in-person ballot without needing an excuse at designated early voting centers, operating for at least 17 days before election day with specific hours (including weekday and Saturday availability). Counties must set up at least one center per 100,000 residents, equip centers with voting machines, and create public communication plans to inform voters about locations and hours. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules preventing duplicate voting and ensures early ballots are counted identically to election day votes.
HB 81 requires the State Board of Education to create a model policy for student cell phone use in public schools. Local school boards must then adopt their own specific policies addressing both phone use during class and secure storage options. This bill directly affects all K-12 public schools and students in the state by mandating structured guidelines for managing cell phone access in educational settings. The policy must cover both classroom use and physical storage, but does not specify enforcement details or penalties.
SB 33 requires couples applying for a marriage license to complete a premarital conflict resolution class before receiving their license. This bill directly affects individuals seeking marriage licenses in the state by mandating this educational requirement. The Administrative Office of Courts would be responsible for establishing and managing the class program. The policy change shifts the timing of relationship education to before marriage, aiming to support couples' communication skills early in their relationship.
HB 11 automatically seals certain criminal convictions after specific waiting periods: 8 years for felonies (after completing sentence) and 3 years for misdemeanors, violations, or traffic offenses, provided no new convictions occur during that time. It excludes Class A felonies, pending charges, sex offenses, and individuals under post-release supervision. Sealed records remain hidden from most employers and the public but may be accessed by courts, law enforcement, or for specific purposes like firearm background checks or restitution collection. The bill requires the Administrative Office of Courts to create a system to manage this automatic sealing process.
