Alabama Bills

HB 133 amends Alabama law to allow the Board of Pardons and Paroles or other state agencies to provide electronic monitoring for allegedly delinquent children released from custody under specific conditions. It directly affects children who are alleged to have committed offenses but are released instead of detained, particularly those deemed a risk to others or themselves. The bill expands existing authority by authorizing these agencies - not just juvenile courts - to impose electronic monitoring as a release condition, alongside other restrictions like travel limits. This change applies to children released pending juvenile court disposition, as outlined in Section 12-15-128 of Alabama Code. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

SB 52 creates a state tax credit for Alabama employers who hire employees from groups targeted under the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. Employers can claim a credit equal to their federal WOTC credit, up to $1,000 per qualifying employee, after the employee completes 12 consecutive months of work. The credit applies to Alabama income tax or financial institution excise tax, with a total annual limit of $10 million across all employers. It becomes effective January 1, 2026, and is available for tax years beginning after that date.

This bill prohibits Alabama's Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources from banning the possession of fish above certain sizes in fishing tournaments on the Coosa River unless the commissioner provides evidence that prior restocking efforts in that area failed. It specifically applies to tournaments on the Coosa River (including its reservoirs) and requires proof of failed restocking before any size restrictions can be imposed. The law would take effect on October 1, 2025.

HB 5 adjusts salaries for specific Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) officers by reclassifying 16 job titles into higher pay grades, effective September 1, 2025. It directly affects roles including ALEA Troopers (Trainee to Senior), Corporals, Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains, Pilots, and Special Agents. The bill establishes new salary levels for these positions and increases step levels for certain roles (e.g., Lieutenants, Captains) by one step on the same effective date. This is a concrete pay adjustment for current ALEA personnel, not a new hiring policy or benefit.

HB 48 proposes a constitutional amendment to divide Alabama's annual legislative sessions into two distinct periods. The first period (February) must pass all budget bills before ending, requiring a special budget session if not completed. The second period (September) allows the legislature to reconsider bills vetoed by the governor during the first period. This amendment replaces outdated constitutional sections and modifies session timing and veto procedures for the Alabama legislature.

SB 20 prohibits law enforcement officers in Alabama from using tasers on individuals who are restrained (e.g., handcuffed or in body restraints). It directly affects police officers and establishes a Class C felony penalty for violations. The bill defines "taser" broadly and clarifies that using it on a restrained person is unlawful, regardless of existing laws. The law would take effect on October 1, 2025.

This bill extends the time limit for victims to file civil lawsuits related to certain sex offenses from six years to 36 years after the victim turns 19 or regains legal capacity. It directly affects individuals who experienced sex offenses covered under Alabama law (Section 15-20A-5), including those previously barred by expired time limits. The key change allows victims to file lawsuits within 36 years after the disability ends (like reaching age 19), applies retroactively to offenses before October 1, 2025, and creates a two-year window starting October 1, 2025, for those previously time-barred. The law does not change criminal statutes but provides a longer civil remedy period for victims.

SB 16 prohibits Alabama law enforcement officers from using the four-point restraint (also known as the hog-tie position), where an individual is face-down with hands and legs tied behind their back. It requires all law enforcement agencies to update their policies to ban this technique and mandates that officers not place individuals in positions restricting oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck. Violating this ban would be a Class A misdemeanor. The law applies directly to officers and agencies, taking effect on October 1, 2025.

SB 71 would expand Alabama's existing state income tax exemption to include certain compensation paid to civilian employees of the U.S. Department of Defense and Armed Forces. This exemption, currently available to active military members, would now apply to civilian employees earning compensation while working in a combat zone, deployed outside the U.S., or activated by Alabama's Governor or the President for emergency response. The change would take effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. It does not alter tax treatment for civilian employees outside these specific circumstances.

SB 23 prohibits law enforcement officers from using tasers on individuals who are restrained, such as those in handcuffs or other restraints. The bill specifically bans taser use when a person is unable to resist, including during arrest or custody. It defines "taser" broadly as any device emitting electronic or magnetic shock to temporarily incapacitate someone. The law applies to all law enforcement officers and becomes effective October 1, 2025. This directly affects individuals during police interactions where restraints are applied.

SB 24 changes Alabama law to make body-worn and dashboard camera recordings by law enforcement agencies public records, instead of restricting access only to individuals whose image or voice appears in the recording. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to release such recordings within 30 days of a public request, unless disclosure would interfere with an ongoing investigation. It also establishes a process for appealing denials of recording requests through circuit court. This applies to all residents and organizations seeking these recordings, shifting access from limited personal disclosure to broader public availability. The bill maintains existing exceptions for recordings related to active investigations or prosecutions.

SB 8 creates Alabama's American History and Civics Excellence Initiative within the Department of Education. It establishes an online 50-hour course for high school teachers to earn a new "American History and Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement" on their teaching certificate, with eligibility requiring course completion. Teachers who earn the endorsement may apply for a one-time $3,000 stipend, subject to legislative funding approval. The State Board of Education must adopt rules to implement the program, oversee its administration, and develop application forms for both the endorsement and stipend.