Alabama Bills

SB 254 modifies Alabama's parole revocation process for individuals convicted of specific serious offenses (like violent crimes, sex offenses, or firearm violations). It replaces automatic parole revocation for these cases with board discretion to consider the full circumstances of a violation and choose appropriate sanctions, rather than mandating prison time. The bill also allows the parole board to reinstate parole immediately if new criminal charges leading to revocation are dismissed, resolved as a misdemeanor, or result in an acquittal. This change directly affects parolees convicted of the enumerated offenses who face new charges or violations, shifting decision-making from automatic penalties to case-by-case review.

SB 289 amends Alabama's Growing Alabama Act to allow tax credits for site improvements when the site is owned by multiple local economic development organizations, provided all parties listed on the deed are eligible applicants. Previously, only sites owned by a single organization qualified for these tax credits. The bill removes the single-ownership requirement, enabling joint applications from multiple eligible organizations to fund infrastructure improvements. This directly affects local economic development groups and businesses that may benefit from improved sites funded through these credits.

HB 372 authorizes the Alabama Department of Insurance to create two new exempt personnel positions within its Pharmacy Benefits Manager Division. These positions would be exempt from the state Merit System (meaning they wouldn't follow standard civil service hiring rules) and their compensation would be set by the Insurance Commissioner. The bill does not change existing insurance regulations but adds these specific roles to the division's staffing structure, effective June 1, 2026.

SB 273 revises Alabama's stalking law by upgrading penalties for repeat offenders. Specifically, it changes the penalty for a second or subsequent violation of "stalking in the second degree" from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class C felony. This directly affects individuals convicted of stalking who commit a second or later offense after being warned to stop. The bill does not change the definition of stalking itself but increases the criminal consequences for those with prior convictions. The amendment takes effect on October 1, 2026.

SB 300 amends Alabama's license plate law to update design requirements for the "Helping Schools" distinctive plates and provide a free replacement for eligible owners. It specifies that the Department of Revenue must follow new design rules when creating these plates, which currently feature a white background with red "Helping Schools" text and a red apple, green book, and yellow ruler. Eligible individuals include those who purchased or renewed their "Helping Schools" plates between March 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026, who will receive a new plate meeting the updated design at no cost during the 2027 registration year. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not change the $20 annual fee for the plate program.

SB 211 expands sick leave options for public education employees in Alabama. It allows direct sick leave donations between employees at different schools or institutions (like K-12 districts and public colleges), removes limits on how much extended medical leave an employee can donate, and requires the State Board of Education to create a model policy for this. All public education authorities (including local school boards and colleges) must adopt this policy, including provisions for sick leave banks and direct donations. The bill affects teachers, support staff, and administrators working in Alabama’s public education system.

HB 329 requires all Alabama public K-12 students to complete an approved computer science course to graduate, starting with the 2032 graduating class. The bill expands the definition of computer science to include AI and algorithmic processes, and establishes standards for approved courses that must focus on creating technology, not just using it. Approved computer science credits can count toward math, science, or career education graduation requirements without increasing the total credit count. School districts must implement phased course offerings: high schools by 2020-2021, middle schools by 2021-2022, and elementary schools by 2022-2023. The State Department of Education will develop course standards and maintain an approved course list.

SB 194 eliminates a redundant requirement in Alabama's ethics law for candidates who already filed a statement of economic interests. Currently, such candidates must provide proof to the Ethics Commission when qualifying for office; this bill removes that step. The change directly affects candidates running for state or local office who have an existing, current economic interests statement on file. It simplifies the filing process by allowing them to qualify without submitting additional proof, while maintaining the core requirement to file the statement itself. The bill amends Section 36-25-15 of Alabama's Code to reflect this change.

SB 86 extends the time period for certain businesses to file new or replacement surety bonds from 30 to 60 days, and extends the payment period for assessments on unlawfully imported or transported motor fuels from 30 to 60 days. This applies directly to entities like compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sellers, as well as motor fuel suppliers, importers, distributors, and terminal operators. The bill amends Alabama law (sections 40-17-168.5, 40-17-335, and 40-17-353) to update these deadlines and includes technical revisions to modernize the code language. These changes provide additional time for affected businesses to comply with bonding and payment requirements without immediate license cancellation or penalties.

SB 199 restricts certain adult sex offenders convicted of child-related offenses from using post office boxes or electronic devices with internet access (like phones or tablets), as determined by their parole or probation officer. It requires these offenders to complete sex offender treatment - including periodic polygraph exams - as a condition of release, with costs based on their ability to pay. Violating these restrictions or treatment requirements is punishable by a Class C felony. The bill also authorizes the Board of Pardons and Paroles to create rules for implementing these provisions.

SB 57 requires Alabama's Department of Human Resources to request a federal waiver from the USDA to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) benefits from being used to purchase candy and soda. If approved, the state would ban SNAP recipients from buying these items, with the department required to resubmit the waiver request annually if denied. The bill defines "candy" as foods with sugar as the first ingredient (excluding single-ingredient sugars) and "soda" as carbonated beverages with sugar as a top ingredient (excluding diet drinks). This policy would directly affect Alabama SNAP recipients who currently use benefits for these items, effective October 1, 2026.

HB 315 authorizes Alabama's Class 1 municipalities (like Birmingham) to require property owners to register vacant residential or commercial buildings within 30 days of vacancy or ownership change. Owners must pay an initial registration fee and annual supplemental fees, while municipalities must establish a database and enforce maintenance standards to address blight, safety risks, and public costs associated with vacant properties. The bill aims to help cities identify vacant properties, reduce neighborhood deterioration, and offset expenses like inspections and nuisance abatement. This legislation is currently pending in the House Committee on Jefferson County Legislation.