HB 478, the Restroom Access Act, requires Alabama retail stores with employee restrooms to allow customers with specific medical conditions (like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or ostomy devices) to use those facilities under strict conditions. To access an employee restroom, customers must provide medical evidence (such as a doctor's note or Crohn's & Colitis Foundation ID) and the store must confirm it lacks a public restroom, has no health/safety risks, and has three or more employees present. Retailers aren't required to modify facilities or provide greater care than they would to regular customers. Violating the law is a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 480 changes how Alabama counties and municipalities distribute sales tax revenue from the simplified sellers use tax (SSUT). It requires each county and municipality to allocate a minimum of 40% of their SSUT proceeds to local school boards serving their area, instead of keeping the funds for general use. This applies to all counties and municipalities that haven't already adopted such a policy by October 1, 2027. The bill takes effect January 1, 2028, redirecting existing sales tax revenue directly to public schools. It repeals the current monthly distribution requirement for these funds.
HB 476, the Alabama Good Samaritan Wildlife Rehabilitation Act, allows Alabama residents to provide temporary care for injured, orphaned, or debilitated wild birds or animals that are *not* federally protected or endangered, without needing a state permit. It requires care to last no more than six months (three years for beavers), mandates returning animals to their original location, and requires rabies vaccination for certain species (like raccoons or bats) before release if a vet is within five miles. The bill explicitly states it does not permit practicing veterinary medicine, exempt individuals from cruelty laws, or allow keeping wildlife as pets. This policy change directly affects citizens who find non-protected wildlife needing urgent care, enabling temporary rehabilitation while maintaining safety and legal boundaries.
This resolution (HR 145) formally commends the Talladega Insurance Agency for achieving its 170th anniversary. It recognizes the agency as Alabama's oldest insurance business (founded 1856) and highlights its family-owned history, current operation by fourth-generation owner Boyd McGehee, and community efforts supporting underserved children through educational programs. The resolution serves only as symbolic recognition, with no policy changes or direct impact on laws or regulations.
SB 310 would authorize Montgomery's city council to impose a tax on individuals working in the city, directly affecting residents and workers who engage in trades, occupations, or professions within Montgomery. The bill allows the city to levy this tax through ordinance to fund healthcare stabilization, transportation infrastructure, and public safety initiatives. If enacted, the tax would become effective on June 1, 2026, though the bill is currently pending in committee. The measure does not specify tax rates or exemptions, focusing solely on granting the city council authority to implement such a tax.
HR 146 is a symbolic resolution recognizing February 24, 2026, as "Crime Survivors Speak Alabama Day." It formally acknowledges an event where over 250 Alabama crime survivors and advocates will gather at the state Capitol to share experiences and advocate for improved victim services. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but offers official recognition of the survivors' work and their role in shaping public safety policy. It directly affects the Crime Survivors Speak Alabama Chapter and its participants by publicly supporting their advocacy efforts.
HB 417 exempts public K-12 schools in Alabama from the state's $100,000 competitive bidding requirement for playground equipment purchases. It amends Alabama law to specifically exclude "the purchase and installation of playground equipment" from the public works bidding rules, while still requiring schools to follow applicable competitive bidding laws for these contracts. This change directly affects school districts when buying playground equipment, streamlining procurement without eliminating the need for competitive bidding. The bill does not alter other public works bidding rules or requirements for different types of construction or equipment.
This resolution formally commends Command Sergeant Major Kevin D. Harkey for his over 30 years of service in the U.S. Army, recognizing his leadership in the 710th Brigade Support Battalion and his contributions to soldiers and their families. It highlights his military career, education, deployments, and awards without creating any new policies or affecting any laws. As a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), it has no policy impact and serves only to honor his service. The Alabama legislature passed it as a formal expression of gratitude for his distinguished career.
This resolution (HJR 100) symbolically recognizes February 10, 2026, as "Alpha Phi Alpha Day" at the Alabama State Capitol. It formally commends Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, for its 119-year history, over 200,000 members, community service initiatives, and civic engagement efforts in Alabama. The resolution has no legal effect - it is purely ceremonial and does not create new programs, funding, or obligations. It was unanimously adopted by the Alabama Legislature on February 10, 2026, to honor the fraternity's contributions.
HJR 87 is a ceremonial resolution commending John Mitchell, Jr. for his service to Alabama's retail automotive industry. It recognizes his roles as Executive Manager at Mitchell Nissan, his leadership as Chair of the Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama (2018), and his service as Alabama's Director on the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Board (2020-2026), including chairing the 2025 NADA Show during a severe weather event. The resolution has no policy provisions or financial impact - it solely offers formal legislative recognition.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 83) commending Mitchie Clegg Neel for her 48-year career in the Blount County School System. It honors her service as an elementary teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and Executive Director of the Blount County Education Foundation, noting her role in raising over $15 million for student and teacher support. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a formal expression of appreciation from the Alabama Legislature for her retirement. It directly affects no individuals or policies beyond recognizing her contributions.
HB 489 adds independent postsecondary online institutions located in Orange Beach, Alabama, to the list of schools eligible for the Alabama Student Grant Program. This program provides state-funded grants to Alabama residents attending approved colleges and universities. The bill updates the legal code to include these institutions, requiring them to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. If enacted, the change would allow students at qualifying online institutions in Orange Beach to access state financial aid.
