SB 168 prohibits Alabama public K-12 schools from using the "three-cueing system" (which teaches reading through meaning, sentence structure, and visual cues) for foundational reading skills like decoding and word recognition. Instead, it requires all reading materials and teacher training to use evidence-based "structured literacy" methods focused on phonics, phonemic awareness, and systematic instruction. The law applies to textbooks, instructional materials, and educator preparation programs, banning visual memory strategies for word recognition while allowing context and vocabulary support for comprehension. It takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year, with violations requiring public notification by the State Board of Education.
HB 300 requires all health insurance plans sold in Alabama that cover breast exams to provide screening and diagnostic mammograms without charging deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. It directly affects Alabama residents with health insurance, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary breast screenings under the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. The bill covers both routine screening exams (for high-risk individuals) and diagnostic exams (to evaluate abnormalities), but excludes limited policies like dental-only or Medicare supplements. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
HB 183 allows homeschool students in Alabama to enroll in public school career and technical education (CTE) programs starting in the 2027-2028 school year, provided they pay the same course fees as public school students and enroll as non-enrolled participants. It requires public schools to consider homeschool students for CTE programs only after filling spots with current public school students if capacity is limited. Full-time, standalone CTE schools may choose not to accept homeschool students, but all other public schools must follow the rules. The State Board of Education and local school boards must create specific policies to implement these provisions.
HB 342 allows Alabama to participate in a federal tax credit program that enables individuals to claim a credit on their federal income tax for contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). The bill requires the Alabama Department of Revenue to annually submit a list of qualifying SGOs in the state to the federal government and certify Alabama's participation. This ensures Alabama residents can use the federal credit for eligible contributions starting in tax years after 2026. The bill takes effect immediately and does not create a new state tax credit.
HB 359 amends Alabama's Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Investment Act to clarify that a $2.5 million annual tax rebate is supplemental to the initial award, not a replacement. It directly affects tourism companies seeking tax rebates for certified projects like resorts, attractions, or entertainment complexes. The bill requires these companies to document actual project costs through certification by an independent CPA, ensuring transparency about expenses. This change aims to verify that rebate amounts align with verified project investments, rather than estimated costs.
SB 230 modifies Alabama's campaign finance rules to allow campaign funds to cover specific security costs for candidates, elected officials, and their immediate families or staff. It permits using contributions for cybersecurity services (like removing personal data from data brokers), home security devices (locks, cameras, alarms - excluding property value improvements), and security personnel. The bill explicitly defines "security expenses" to prevent misuse of funds for non-security purposes. This change applies directly to political campaigns and officeholders seeking to protect themselves or their close associates. The bill is currently pending in the Alabama House Judiciary Committee.
SB 229 revises the duties of legal positions within the Alabama National Guard's Legal Services Office by amending specific sections of state law (31-2B-4 through 31-2B-13). The bill updates responsibilities for roles including State Staff Judge Advocates, General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and other legal officers, requiring them to provide advice on military justice, contracts, administrative matters, and fiscal issues to military commanders. Key provisions clarify their roles in managing legal services, developing training programs, and producing legal policy manuals for the National Guard. This legislation directly affects the legal staff of the Alabama National Guard, ensuring their duties align with current operational needs.
SB 200 renames Alabama’s "Office of Minority Affairs" to the "Office of Civic Engagement" and updates related legal references throughout state code. The bill makes no changes to the office’s duties, purpose, or funding - it continues to advise the Governor on issues affecting minorities (including women) in areas like education, health, and economic opportunity. It only adjusts terminology in statutes to reflect the new name, such as changing "Minority Affairs" to "Civic Engagement" in sections governing the office’s structure and advisory committee. This is a purely procedural renaming with no substantive policy shifts.
HB 96 increases Alabama's homestead exemption to $56,400 for residents aged 62 or older and individuals with disabilities, up from the current $15,000. It changes bankruptcy rules so the exemption amount used is based on the date a bankruptcy petition is filed - not the date the debt was incurred. This bill directly affects seniors and disabled Alabama residents by providing greater protection for their primary homes against creditors and bankruptcy-related debt collection. The law also updates related legal language to reflect these changes while maintaining the existing 160-acre property size limit for homestead protection.
HB 43 proposes a constitutional amendment for Alabama public K-12 schools requiring daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each school day. It also mandates that local school boards vote within 90 days of ratification on whether to allow optional daily prayer or Bible readings, with participation requiring signed consent forms from students or parents. The bill prohibits non-consenting individuals from being present during these activities and requires schools to avoid substituting them for instructional time. Violations - such as failing to implement the pledge or the prayer vote - could trigger a 25% reduction in state education funding for the affected school district.
SJR 64 is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and legacy of Jo Ann Blackmon Bland, a Selma, Alabama civil rights activist who died on February 19, 2026. The resolution recognizes her childhood involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, her participation in Bloody Sunday (1965), her role in founding the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, and her community work. It expresses the legislature's "overwhelming sense of loss" while celebrating her contributions to justice, education, and preserving civil rights history. The resolution does not create any new laws or policies - it is purely a ceremonial tribute to her life and work.
HB 78 sets age-based screen time limits for children in early childhood education settings, directly affecting licensed child-care facilities, prekindergarten programs, and public kindergarten classrooms in Alabama. It prohibits screen time for children under two, limits it to 30 minutes daily (90 minutes weekly) for ages two to four, and requires all screen use to be "high-quality" and adult-supervised. The bill mandates annual staff training on screen time guidelines and requires the Department of Early Childhood Education to develop and publicly share free, research-based guidelines for parents. Compliance is tied to facility licensure and enforced by the Department of Human Resources, Department of Early Childhood Education, and local school boards. The law aims to align with pediatric recommendations by reducing excessive screen exposure during critical developmental years.
