SB 252 requires pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in Alabama to pay independent pharmacies a minimum reimbursement rate for prescription drugs, directly affecting these pharmacies and PBMs. The bill establishes a specific payment standard for prescriptions and adds Section 27-45A-14 to Alabama’s code to regulate PBM practices. Key provisions include setting a baseline payment amount and restricting certain PBM actions that impact pharmacy reimbursement. This policy change aims to address financial challenges faced by independent pharmacies through mandated payment terms.
This is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 51), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends the Trinity Presbyterian Varsity Girls Basketball Team for winning the 2025 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 4A Girls Basketball State Championship. The resolution highlights their 34-0 undefeated run to the title and recognizes specific players and coaches. It has no legal effect or impact on policy; it is solely an expression of legislative praise for the team's achievement.
SJR 60 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Daniel Pratt as Alabama's first great industrialist. It commemorates his historical contributions, including founding Prattville, establishing Alabama's first major industrial complex (with businesses like cotton gins, mills, and a foundry), and shaping the state's economic development through infrastructure and philanthropy. The resolution does not create new laws, affect any individuals or entities, or change policy - it solely serves to recognize Pratt's legacy. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legislative effect beyond historical acknowledgment.
SJR 45 is a resolution directing Alabama's Legislative Services Agency to hire a national consultant to study pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) practices. The consultant will examine how PBMs negotiate drug pricing, set reimbursement rates for pharmacies, and impact prescription drug costs and access to medications across Alabama. This study specifically aims to assess PBM practices' role in pharmacy closures - particularly in rural communities - and their effects on the drug supply chain. The consultant must report findings by December 1, 2025, to state leaders. This resolution does not create new laws but seeks to inform future policy decisions.
SB 130 would allow refined gold and silver bullion (bars) and certain coins marked with weight/purity to be recognized as legal tender in Alabama, meaning they could be used for payments. It directly affects Alabama businesses and consumers, though businesses would not be required to accept these forms of payment - except as agreed in contracts or under specific laws. The bill defines legal tender as coins/bullion meeting purity standards and ensures no liability for refusing such payments, effective October 1, 2025. This is a state-level policy change limited to Alabama, not affecting federal currency rules.
HB 294 allows Etowah County's Drug Enforcement Unit to sell abandoned or stolen property (including firearms) after six months if unclaimed, following specific auction procedures. The unit must publish notice for two weeks in a local newspaper or post at the courthouse, and firearms sales require a federal license and comply with federal transfer laws. Proceeds from sales are held for six months to allow owners to reclaim property; unclaimed funds after this period are transferred to a county law enforcement forfeiture account for use in police operations. This bill applies exclusively to Etowah County and takes effect October 1, 2025.
HB 369 creates a new county sales and use tax in Elmore County, Alabama, starting September 1, 2025, to fund the "Enhance Elmore Fund." The tax rate is calculated using a formula based on existing state and county sales tax rates, with proceeds distributed 90% to infrastructure projects and 10% to economic development initiatives. The fund's monies must be reported annually by the county commission, and fire departments must submit usage reports to access allocations. This bill directly affects Elmore County residents through the new tax and local government through the mandated fund distribution and reporting requirements.
HB 254 amends St. Clair County's mental health laws to clarify the role and authority of the county mental health officer. It requires law enforcement to contact this officer when encountering someone with a mental illness posing an immediate threat to self or others, and mandates the officer to assess the situation and coordinate with mental health facilities. The bill establishes procedures for temporary custody and facility commitment when a mental health officer determines a person needs specialized care, including a 24-hour medical evaluation at the facility. These changes directly affect residents in mental health crises, law enforcement officers, and local mental health facilities in St. Clair County.
HB 371 creates a new motor vehicle registration fee for vehicles registered in Elmore County, with all collected fees distributed directly to Elmore County funds. The bill sets an annual 1% fee increase starting January 1 each year and requires the Revenue Commissioner to collect the fees. This bill directly affects all vehicle owners registering in Elmore County, as it establishes a new local fee with automatic annual adjustments. The policy change modifies existing registration fee structures to generate dedicated county revenue, with no specified use beyond distribution to the county.
HB 314 authorizes the Houston County Sheriff's Office to use credit or debit cards for purchasing physical items or services, directly affecting the sheriff's office operations. The bill requires the sheriff to establish written policies including spending limits per purchase and monthly totals, secure card access procedures, and mandatory monthly bill reviews to prevent unauthorized charges. It mandates paying bills in full to avoid fees and directs any rewards earned to the sheriff's discretionary fund. The measure does not change existing funding limits or allow the sheriff to create new debt. (Effective June 1, 2025)
HB 313 sets new annual salaries for Houston County's sheriff ($150,000) and coroner ($22,000), effective June 1, 2025. It requires both positions to receive the same annual cost-of-living and uniform pay increases as other county employees. The bill repeals prior salary provisions for these roles (Sections 45-35-60 and 45-35-230 of Alabama Code). These changes directly affect the sheriff and coroner of Houston County by establishing their baseline compensation and future adjustment mechanisms.
HB 220 authorizes the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office to use credit or debit cards for purchasing tangible property or approved services, directly affecting the sheriff's department's spending processes. The bill requires the sheriff to establish written policies with specific safeguards, including spending limits per transaction and monthly, secure record-keeping to prevent unauthorized use. It mandates that card providers be selected based on fees, rewards, and penalties, with any rewards deposited into the sheriff's discretionary fund. The law explicitly states it cannot authorize spending beyond existing appropriations or create new debt for the county.
