HJR 123 is a symbolic resolution recognizing March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Alabama. It does not create new laws or requirements but encourages Alabamians aged 45 and older (and others at higher risk per their healthcare provider) to get recommended colorectal cancer screenings. The resolution highlights that early detection through screening significantly improves survival rates and could prevent many deaths, as current screening rates remain low. It specifically aims to promote public awareness about prevention and early detection during March 2026. This is a non-binding recognition effort, not a policy change.
HJR 134 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Boaz High School Cheer Team for winning the 2026 National High School Cheerleading Championship (Division II Varsity Coed Non-Tumbling Competition). It formally recognizes their victory, highlights their 16 state championships and four national titles, and honors head coach Tiffany Rhoden and specific team members. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely offers symbolic praise through official legislative recognition.
SJR 53 is a ceremonial resolution commending Alicia Cannon for 50 years of service to Alabama's judicial system. It recognizes her career with the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC), starting as a Clerk and Stenographer in 1976, and her progression to roles including Purchasing Director and Assistant Director of the AOC Finance Division. The resolution highlights her stewardship of public funds, mentorship of staff, and contributions to court operations across Alabama. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a formal expression of legislative appreciation.
HJR 140 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Elaine Sessions on being named the 2025 Citizen of the Year by the Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce. It formally recognizes her decades of community service, including 48 years in real estate, teaching, mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and volunteer work with organizations like McKemie Place homeless shelter and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Alabama Legislature's formal commendation. This type of resolution is standard recognition for community leaders and does not impact laws, funding, or regulations.
HB 459 modifies how Henry County handles special transaction fees collected by the Judge of Probate. It sets a $5 maximum fee per transaction and requires the first $2 to be kept in a special fund for the Judge's office to cover record-keeping and equipment costs, while any amount over $2 goes directly to the county's general fund. The Judge of Probate may also transfer funds from the special fund to the general fund at their discretion. This bill directly affects Henry County's Judge of Probate office and its financial management of these specific fees.
HB 523 would create the Alabama Agricultural Enhancement Program, providing cost-share funds to eligible agricultural producers for specific business investments like livestock equipment, dairy operations, aquaculture, and agritourism. The program requires applicants to complete educational programs, commit to using purchased equipment for five years, and meet residency and documentation criteria. It establishes an Alabama Agricultural Enhancement Advisory Board (with university representatives) and a dedicated state fund in the Treasury to administer the program. The Agriculture Commissioner must report program progress to lawmakers by September 2027.
HB 503 prohibits sharing or transmitting photos of deceased individuals taken during coroner or law enforcement investigations, including crime scenes. It applies to anyone who discloses such images for non-official purposes, covering photos taken by personal devices or agency equipment, regardless of whether an investigation is active. Violating this rule is a Class B misdemeanor, while sharing images for payment or gain is a stricter Class A misdemeanor. The bill, currently pending in the Alabama House Judiciary Committee, would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
SB 251 updates Alabama's tax abatement and incentive programs by removing outdated references to the 2012 *Accelerate Alabama Strategic Economic Development Plan* and replacing them with current terminology from the *Alabama Jobs Act*. It also aligns the industry classification system (NAICS codes) used to determine eligibility for these programs with the latest 2022 version, affecting businesses seeking tax benefits. The bill makes technical revisions to existing tax code language to reflect these updates, without creating new programs or changing eligibility criteria. This is a procedural update to ensure state tax law references remain current and accurate for businesses and local governments administering these programs.
HB 427 expands Alabama's "Do Not Call" database to include commercial and cellular phone subscribers, not just residential ones. It bans misleading caller ID information, restricts calls to between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and limits solicitation calls to three per 24 hours per person. The bill increases penalties for violations from $2,000 to $20,000 per offense and allows consumers to seek up to $20,000 in damages per violation. Violations would also be classified as deceptive trade practices under Alabama law.
HB 481 (Alabama) requires courts to prioritize victim restitution payments over all other fines, court costs, and fees in criminal cases. Specifically, it amends Alabama Code sections 15-18-65(b) and 15-18-70(b) to mandate that restitution to crime victims must be paid first, before any other financial obligations from the conviction. This directly affects criminal defendants (who must pay restitution before other debts), crime victims (who receive payments sooner), and court systems (which must enforce this payment order). The bill does not change how restitution amounts are calculated but ensures victims are compensated ahead of other financial obligations tied to the case.
SB 105 requires all Alabama counties and municipalities to publish their annual financial statements, audits, monthly expenditures, and budgets online by September 30 each year. These documents must be posted in a prominent location on the local government's official website, or on the website of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama or Alabama League of Municipalities if no official site exists. The bill mandates this transparency measure to make local government finances more accessible to residents. It will take effect on October 1, 2028.
HB 159 allows circuit clerks in Alabama who independently qualify for both a supernumerary program and the Employees' Retirement System to participate in both, provided they use separate work periods for each. Currently, state law prevents circuit clerks from using the same service years for both programs. The bill amends retirement law to permit dual participation when service years are distinct. It will take effect on July 1, 2026.
