HR 187 is a non-binding resolution commending Jerry Bassett, a longtime Alabama legislative staffer, for receiving the Council of State Governments' Distinguished Service to the States Award. The resolution recognizes Bassett's 24-year service as Director of the Legislative Reference Service (1991-2015) and his national work on uniform law drafting committees, including chairing the Suggested State Legislation Committee for decades. It formally expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' "utmost respect" for his contributions to state legislative processes and consistency in state law across the U.S. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents.
HR 185 is a symbolic resolution commending Reverend Jeffery Black for his 10 years as pastor of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Adamsville, Alabama. It recognizes his pastoral service, theological education, work at Arrington Funeral Home, and personal resilience through family losses. The resolution offers "heartfelt congratulations" and "deepest admiration" on his pastoral anniversary without creating any new laws or affecting policy. This is a ceremonial gesture, not a substantive legislative measure.
This resolution (HR 186) commends Zoie Grace McGuyer and her nonprofit organization "Saving Grace: We Hear You" for their work supporting children affected by abuse. It recognizes their efforts to educate communities about abuse indicators, donate therapeutic activity books to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) programs, and advocate for children who cannot speak for themselves in court. The resolution specifically highlights their partnership with CASA, which provides trained advocates for children in legal proceedings, and notes they've donated over 800 free books to children in need. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or funding provisions.
SR 67 is a procedural Senate resolution establishing a "Special Order Calendar" for the Alabama Senate. It sets specific bills to be prioritized for debate on February 26, 2026, including HB274 (corrections drone policy), SB317 (revising a legislative committee), and HB78 (early childhood screen time rules). This resolution does not change laws or policies but dictates the legislative schedule, ensuring these listed bills are considered before other pending business. It directly affects the Senate's workflow and the timing of committee and floor consideration for the specified bills.
SB 331 would prohibit classroom instruction about gender identity or sexual orientation for all public preK-12 students in Alabama, expanding current restrictions that only applied to grades K-5. It bans teachers and school staff from displaying LGBTQ+-related flags or symbols on school property and requires staff to use pronouns matching a student’s biological sex at birth. The bill also mandates that schools enforce these rules through state board regulations. Currently pending in the Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee, it would take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed.
This bill expands the legal definition of criminal defendants with mental illnesses to include individuals who are found incompetent to stand trial and cannot be restored to competency. It limits how long the Department of Mental Health can provide custody, care, and treatment for these individuals to the maximum possible prison sentence they could receive for the charged crime, with exceptions for capital murder cases or when civil commitment criteria are still met. The legislation also includes technical updates to align the code language with current style conventions. These changes directly affect the state's mental health system and the judicial process for handling mentally ill defendants in Alabama.
HB 512 modifies Alabama's rules for handling unpaid solid waste utility fees. It removes misdemeanor penalties for nonpayment and specifies that counties or municipalities can only use civil court action or suspend services as remedies - no other options are allowed. The bill also updates outdated code language to current style without changing core fee collection processes. This directly affects residents and businesses using municipal solid waste services who fail to pay fees.
This bill (HR 188) is a memorial resolution honoring John Hackett, Jr., a Birmingham, Alabama resident and longtime supporter of Alabama A&M University (AAMU). It commemorates his life, noting his service as an AAMU Board of Trustees member, leadership in the AAMU Alumni Association, career with Birmingham city agencies, and dedication to education and community. The resolution expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' "profound sorrow" at his death (February 23, 2026) and extends condolences to his family. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on constituents beyond acknowledging his legacy.
HB 519 would allow a specific licensed facility in White Hall, Lowndes County (located at 6999 Highway 80 West, Hayneville) to offer pari-mutuel betting on simulcast horse and dog races, including past events, under strict conditions. The bill requires a 4% tax on wagering revenue, with funds distributed as 20% to Lowndes County Commission, 20% to Lowndes County Schools, and 60% to the Town Council (part of which must support other local municipalities or approved charities). It explicitly prohibits off-track betting outside this designated facility and ensures existing state gambling laws remain in effect elsewhere. The bill is pending committee review and would take effect October 1, 2026, if passed.
SB 319 establishes a civil service system for permanent city jobs in Helena, Shelby County, replacing the 1992 civil service law. It creates a Personnel Board (with employee-elected and appointed members), appoints a director to manage personnel, and sets standardized rules for hiring, promotions, and appeals for city employees. The bill defines key terms like "regular position" and "eligible register" to ensure consistent application of hiring processes, including open-competitive recruitment and merit-based advancement. This directly affects Helena city employees, hiring managers, and applicants for city jobs.
HB 370 establishes population-based compensation tiers for county officials in Alabama, affecting sheriffs, county commissioners, judges of probate, tax assessors, and other local elected roles. It sets a $50,000 annual minimum for sheriffs and provides category-specific raises (e.g., 20% for Category 3 counties) for commissioners and judges of probate, while capping expense allowances for tax officials at $10,000 annually (which converts to base salary after a term). Counties in Category 1 (over 450,000 population) are exempt from these rules, and local governments may opt out via resolution before October 1, 2000. The bill updates existing pay structures retroactively, replacing prior compensation sections.
SB 305 allows Alabama public K-12 schools and charter schools to accept volunteer campus chaplains, but only if local school boards or charter governing bodies vote to permit it. To serve, chaplains must complete a recognized training program, pass a criminal background check, and cannot have been convicted of a sex offense requiring registration. Chaplains would provide services at the request of teachers, not as a school mandate. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not require state certification for chaplains.
