HJR 139 is a symbolic resolution commending 5-year-old Jacks Benton for winning the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association's 13th Annual Big Buck Photo Contest. It recognizes his achievement of harvesting his first buck on family land in Russell County and highlights the contest's role in promoting outdoor recreation. The resolution expresses legislative appreciation for Jacks Benton and the organization's efforts to support tourism and economic benefits in Alabama's Black Belt region. As a procedural resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect laws.
HJR 127 is a ceremonial resolution mourning the death of Graham Lamar Champion, a Pike Road, Alabama lobbyist and respected figure in Alabama politics who passed away on February 7, 2025. The resolution honors his professional service to the legislature, his leadership in the Rotary Club and scouting organizations, and his family. It does not create any new laws or policies; it is purely a commemorative expression of sympathy from the Alabama Legislature. This resolution is non-binding and affects no individuals or groups through policy changes.
HJR 123 is a formal resolution passed by the Alabama legislature to honor Lieutenant Colonel George A. Garzon's life and service. It commemorates his military career as a decorated Air Force fighter pilot, his leadership as Director of the Alabama Department of Aeronautics, and his community contributions in Montgomery. The resolution expresses the state's gratitude for his "unwavering devotion" to family, country, and civic service, and directs that a copy be provided to his family. As a commemorative resolution (not a law), it has no policy impact but formally recognizes his legacy.
This resolution formally honors civil rights attorney Fred D. Gray for his 70-year career, including representing Rosa Parks in the landmark bus segregation case and working with figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. It recognizes his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and other honors, acknowledging his role in pivotal civil rights litigation. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect and serves solely as symbolic recognition of his contributions.
HJR 120 is a formal legislative resolution mourning the death of Larry Horace Barnett, a Huntsville, Alabama, firearms dealer and community member who died at age 77. It commemorates his life, business (Larry's Pistol and Pawn), community service (including founding the Huntsville Police Citizen's Foundation), and recognition as a top firearms retailer. The resolution expresses the Alabama legislature's condolences to his family and celebrates his contributions to the community. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on laws or regulations.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 156), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette's 1825 visit to Alabama, which included stops in Montgomery, Mobile, and other locations. The resolution "commends" Alabama organizations hosting related educational events (March 30-April 8, 2025) and directs that each host receive a copy of the resolution. It has no binding effect or new funding - it is purely symbolic recognition of historical events.
HJR 143 is a ceremonial resolution commending the winners of the 2024 Great Alabama 650 paddling race and recognizing the Alabama Scenic River Trail's role in promoting Alabama's waterways. It specifically honors Overall and division winners Trey Reaves, Ryan Gillikin, and Jessica Nance/Candi Hill for their participation. The resolution acknowledges the trail's efforts since 2008 to expand outdoor recreation and safety initiatives across Alabama's rivers and waterways. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact and serves only to formally recognize these achievements.
HB 417 adjusts the corporate boundaries of the City of Eclectic in Elmore County, Alabama, to include specific parcels of land currently outside the city limits. The bill formally adds defined property parcels - detailed through legal descriptions and tax identifiers - to the city's jurisdiction, primarily affecting landowners within the newly included areas. This boundary adjustment is administrative, with no new policies or funding mechanisms; it simply expands the city's geographic scope to encompass these designated parcels. The bill is currently in the legislative process, having passed its third reading in the House of Origin.
HB 223 authorizes St. Clair County to provide cost-of-living adjustments or lump-sum payments to former county sheriffs or revenue commissioners serving in honorary or part-time "supernumerary" roles. This would mirror the same payments currently given to county retirees under the State Employees' Retirement System, but only if the county commission has approved similar payments for those retirees. Payments would be funded from the county's general fund and require annual approval by the commission, just like retiree payments. The bill takes effect June 1, 2025, and applies solely to St. Clair County's former officials in specified roles.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 118) commending Deloris Bagsby for her service on the Mobile County Judicial Commission. It recognizes her over 40 years of professional work in human resources, her 20+ years in the Mobile Community Corrections Center, and her role as a non-lawyer member of the Commission since 2021. The resolution honors her contributions to the judicial system, including helping recommend qualified candidates for judicial vacancies. It has no policy provisions or impact on laws, as it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.
SB 41 authorizes Calhoun County and its municipalities to regulate halfway houses, substance abuse rehab centers, sober living facilities, and similar housing for individuals under court order or supervision by the Calhoun County Community Punishment and Corrections Authority. The bill allows local governments to set rules for permits, facility size, location (including distance from schools), tenant limits per room, and impose daily civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation after a hearing. It also prohibits registered sex offenders from residing in facilities housing court-ordered residents. The law takes effect June 1, 2025.
SB 60 increases the maximum bonding authority for the Alabama Corrections Institutions Finance Authority from $785 million to $1.285 billion to fund the state's existing prison modernization plan. This plan replaces aging prison facilities through a phased approach, including new construction (like a specialized men's prison and a women's prison) and renovations of existing sites. The additional $500 million in bonding capacity directly supports specific projects outlined in the plan, such as closing older facilities like Kilby and Tutwiler prisons. The bill does not create new projects but expands financial authorization for the current modernization efforts.
