Alabama Bills

HB 95 mandates that an unexpired manufacturer's warranty on a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system automatically transfers to the new owner upon the sale of residential real property. This ensures that new homeowners receive the benefit of the original warranty as if they were the initial purchaser. The bill prohibits warrantors from charging a fee for this transfer and clarifies that the transfer does not extend the warranty's original term. These provisions apply to property sales and warranty agreements entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2025.

HB 8 regulates the retail sale of specific electronic nicotine delivery systems and related vapor products. It allows licensed retailers to sell e-liquids, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and vapor-based alternative nicotine products. However, this is only permitted if these products have first received a federal marketing authorization to be introduced into interstate commerce. The bill directly affects businesses selling these items and consumers of such products.

Senate Bill 280 establishes the Alabama Public Education Paperwork Reduction Committee, primarily composed of actively teaching, non-administrative teachers, along with other school staff. This committee will meet quarterly to assess current paperwork requirements and recommend ways to streamline them for public school teachers. A key provision states that no new paperwork mandates can be implemented by the State Department of Education or State Board of Education without the committee's vetting and approval. The State Superintendent of Education will solicit applications and make recommendations for committee appointments.

SB 253 updates the regulatory framework for massage therapists, establishments, and schools under the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board, which is currently overseen by the Board of Nursing. It authorizes the Board of Nursing's Executive Director to delegate duties for the board and defines "emergency orders" for immediate license suspension when public safety is at risk. The bill revises licensing qualifications, sets rules for outcall services and establishment inspections, and allows the board to establish and collect fees. It also clarifies temporary permit status, changes the board's annual meeting month, and requires a majority vote for licensee discipline.

SB 313 modifies the use of available funds from the Alabama 21st Century Authority for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. The bill directs a one-time transfer of $5 million from the Alabama 21st Century Fund to the Alabama Department of Commerce. These funds are designated for establishing international offices, enhancing rural development strategies, and covering associated operational and personnel costs. It also mandates that the Alabama 21st Century Authority maintain a specific fund balance and outlines how any excess funds will be used by the State Industrial Development Authority.

SB 186 requires manufacturers of smartphones and tablets manufactured on or after June 1, 2025, to include a filter designed to prevent access to obscene material when activated in Alabama. These devices must ask for the user's age during setup and automatically enable the filter if the user is a minor. Non-minor users can deactivate the filter with a password. Manufacturers may face civil liability if a device lacks a compliant filter and a minor accesses obscene material, and individuals who intentionally disable a minor's filter leading to such access can also be held liable.

SB 233 revises the membership of the Alabama Ad Valorem Advisory Committee, which advises on property tax assessment and collection. The bill expands the committee to include two resident taxpayers. These new members will be appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue and must have paid taxes in Alabama for at least five years, with all tax liabilities settled. This change aims to incorporate direct taxpayer perspectives into the committee's discussions.

SB 316 establishes a new "educational tourism distillery" license for liquor distillers in Alabama. This license allows distilleries that produce over 100,000 gallons annually and offer public tours to sell their own manufactured liquor and other alcoholic beverages for both on-site and limited off-site consumption. Licensees would pay tax on their manufactured liquor at the same rate as liquor sold in state ABC stores. Additionally, the bill defines "mixed spirit beverages" (ready-to-drink, up to 7% alcohol by volume) and creates a new licensing and distribution system for them, requiring them to be distributed through licensed wholesalers and retailers and imposing an excise tax.

SB 174 requires Alabama counties and municipalities that levy a business privilege tax or business license tax to submit annual reports. The bill establishes causes of action if these local governments fail to comply with the reporting requirements. It also revises the jurisdiction of the Alabama Tax Tribunal regarding these specific business taxes.

SB 138 aims to revise existing restrictions that prevent convicted felons from obtaining occupational licenses. It also seeks to establish a certificate of employability for these individuals and provide immunity to employers who hire them. The provided bill text indicates that certain licensing boards, specifically those governed by Chapter 9, Chapter 23, or Chapter 24 of Title 34, are excluded from some of these provisions. The specific details on how restrictions are revised or employer immunity is granted are not available in the provided bill text.

HB 166 focuses on establishing policies for public K-12 schools regarding cell phone use and internet/social media safety. The bill aims to implement specific procedures and protections designed to prioritize the safety and security of students. It directly affects students and staff within the public education system by setting guidelines for technology use.

HB 353 modifies the compensation structure for justices, judges, and district attorneys. The bill makes technical adjustments to implement existing cost-of-living increases and outlines initial salaries and service-based raises for various judicial roles. It also prohibits circuit and district judges from receiving county-level salary supplements. Additionally, the bill implements a constitutional amendment regarding district attorney salary alterations, setting initial salaries for new district attorneys and clarifying when their pay can increase, and adjusts how the salaries of other elected officials, previously tied to judicial pay, will be calculated.