HB 134 modifies the rules for distributing fines and fees collected from certain motor vehicle violations. Specifically, it addresses violations for driving without a valid license plate, special access parking, and disability parking. The bill updates references to the 2010 Accessible Design Standards within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which pertains to accessibility requirements. It also includes a clause for the act to be repealed three years after October 1, 2025.
HB 25 explicitly authorizes two or more local 911 emergency communication districts to contract with each other to jointly provide services and exercise powers. This bill directly affects these districts and the communities they serve by allowing them to pool resources. It establishes minimum requirements for these joint service contracts, including a public notice and hearing process for each district's board of commissioners before such an agreement is adopted.
HB 441 sets specific minimum educational qualifications and supervision requirements for speech-language pathology assistants in Alabama, affecting those seeking to register for this role and the licensed professionals who supervise them. It requires assistants to complete at least 30 semester credit hours in speech and hearing sciences, including dedicated hours for language and speech disorders, and 100 clinical practicum hours for those in associate degree programs. Assistants must practice under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist, who must meet specific experience criteria and can supervise a maximum of three assistants. The bill also defines acceptable work settings for assistants without a bachelor's degree and outlines annual registration renewal.
HB 529 establishes criteria for alternative nicotine products to be included in a state directory, directly affecting manufacturers selling these products in Alabama. It requires products to have been on the U.S. market by April 14, 2022, and to have a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) under FDA review. The bill also mandates that manufacturers submit documentation within 30 days if federal compliance requirements for e-liquids or other vapor products change. Failure to substantiate compliance with new federal standards can result in the manufacturer and their products being removed from the directory.
HB 194 proposes to revise the membership of the Joint Committee of the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Nursing for Advanced Practice Nurses. This committee is responsible for overseeing the practice of advanced practice nurses in Alabama. The bill specifically increases the number of certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) on the committee from one to two. It also removes the requirement for a general registered nurse to serve as a member of this joint committee.
HB 84 modifies chiropractic licensing rules in two key ways: it removes a "limited license" option for practitioners and updates continuing education requirements. The bill specifically requires chiropractic students and educators in approved programs to work under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractor during clinical training, prohibiting fee-for-service practice outside educational settings. This directly affects chiropractic students, educational programs, and instructors at chiropractic schools. The changes clarify supervision standards while updating administrative provisions for the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
HB 88 officially designates probation and parole officers of the Board of Pardons and Paroles as state law enforcement officers. The bill amends Section 36-21-40 of the Code of Alabama to explicitly include these officers in the legal definition of "Law Enforcement Officer." It also updates the definition of "Law Enforcement Agency" to include the Board of Pardons and Paroles. This change clarifies their official status and scope under state law. The act is scheduled to become effective on October 1, 2025.
HB 493 revises the certification process for child advocacy centers in Alabama. The bill allows the Alabama Network of Children's Advocacy Centers to certify a center as a full member if it meets existing statutory standards *and* any additional standards approved by the network's Board of Directors. These additional standards are intended to ensure compliance with national best practices. Achieving full member certification is crucial for child advocacy centers to be eligible to receive state funding distributed through the network.
HB 263 proposes changes to how funds from the 911 Fund are distributed to local 911 districts. It would alter the basis for monthly payments to these districts and allocate revenue to administer a statewide 911 voice and data system. Any remaining funds could be used for training public safety telecommunicators, paying for advisory services, or providing grants to 911 districts experiencing financial hardship. The bill also includes minor technical revisions to update existing code language.
HB 123 proposes to continue the Pharmacy Board's existence until October 1, 2026, consistent with the state's Sunset Law. The bill revises the board's membership, duties, and penalties for violations, affecting how pharmacists and pharmacies are regulated. It also adds a provision requiring the board to give at least 30 days' public notice for all stated meetings and adhere to the Open Meetings Act. This aims to enhance transparency for the board and the public it serves.
HB 165 proposes to add Juneteenth as an official state holiday. The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to include Juneteenth in the list of recognized state holidays. If enacted, all state holidays, including Juneteenth, would be observed by the closing of state offices. This change would directly affect state government operations and employees.
House Bill 386 proposes to reduce the state sales and use tax rate applied to food purchases. Specifically, it would lower the state tax rate on food to three percent. The bill also authorizes individual counties and municipalities to reduce their own local sales tax rates on food if they choose to do so. These changes are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025, potentially affecting consumers' grocery costs and local government revenue.
