SB 28 allows retired state employees who were previously law enforcement officers or licensed lawyers to work in specific public safety or legal roles without losing their pension. Retired law enforcement officers with proper certification can serve as sheriff's deputies or municipal police officers, while retired lawyers can work as assistant district attorneys, provided their annual earnings do not exceed $52,000. This applies to those retired under Alabama's Employees' or Teachers' Retirement Systems who meet the prior classification and certification requirements. The bill ensures their pension continues uninterrupted as long as the income limit is respected.
SB 26 modifies Alabama's library governance by changing how county and municipal library boards are appointed and removed. It requires that library board members serve "at the pleasure of their respective appointing authority" and can be removed by a two-thirds vote of that governing body (county commission or municipal council). The bill also adds a reporting requirement: library boards must annually submit to state officials a report detailing board membership and any actions taken regarding library collection reviews. These changes update existing code language without altering the boards' core responsibilities or compensation structure. The bill is pending committee review with an effective date of October 1, 2026.
SB 30, known as "Trey's Law," makes any agreement clause prohibiting disclosure of sexual abuse acts or related facts unenforceable. It directly affects survivors of sexual abuse and entities (like employers or organizations) that use nondisclosure agreements to silence victims. The bill voids such clauses in agreements entered into on or after October 1, 2026, but only for the sexual abuse disclosure terms - other parts of agreements, like compensation, remain enforceable. This policy change ensures survivors can speak freely about abuse without legal penalty, aligning with Alabama's public policy against shielding perpetrators.
SB 16 would exempt Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Inc. from paying state, county, and municipal sales and use taxes. This targeted exemption applies solely to the specified entity and does not change general tax law. The bill, filed in August 2025 and pending committee review, would take effect September 1, 2026. It is a procedural bill granting a specific tax exemption to one organization, not a broad policy change.
This bill (HR 129) is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Ralph D. Patton for 25 years of coaching and community service in Birmingham, Alabama. It formally honors his work as a teacher, athletic director, and youth program leader, highlighting his contributions to student-athletes across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and his post-accident continued community involvement. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it simply expresses legislative appreciation through a formal statement of recognition. The resolution was introduced by Representative Jackson and first read on February 17, 2026.
HR 132 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Montgomery Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated's Founders Day celebration on February 28, 2026. It specifically honors Cheryl W. Turner, International President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, for her leadership and service. The resolution does not create any new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Alabama House of Representatives. This procedural bill directly affects the sorority chapter and its honored guest, Cheryl W. Turner.
HB 464 revises Alabama's child abuse and neglect reporting system to strengthen due process for individuals accused of abuse or neglect. It updates definitions to require "imminent harm" for abuse and "substantial risk of harm" for neglect, and prohibits including unsubstantiated ("not indicated") reports in the central registry or disclosing them. The bill mandates that accused individuals receive notification of investigations, get a hearing before a confirmed finding is recorded, and learn their rights during the process. Additionally, it blocks law enforcement from using unconfirmed reports to obtain criminal warrants without grand jury approval, and requires the state to remove unsubstantiated reports from the registry.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HR 126), not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes the Montgomery Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Founders Day celebration on February 28, 2026, and honors Cheryl W. Turner as the sorority's International President and keynote speaker. The resolution details Ms. Turner's leadership roles within the sorority, her community service, and her professional background. It has no policy impact or effect on any laws, budgets, or regulations - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition.
This is a procedural resolution (SR 49), not a substantive bill. It establishes a "Special Order Calendar" for the Alabama Senate, prioritizing specific bills for immediate debate on February 17, 2026, ahead of regular business. The resolution lists seven bills (including SB247 on health care corporations and SB252 regarding Governor's Mansion Authority employees) to be considered in a specific order. It does not change laws or policies; it only affects the Senate's scheduling process for that legislative day.
HB 456, the Youth Athlete Protection Act, requires local governments (cities, counties) that run youth sports programs to create a Youth Athlete Protection Policy by January 2027. This policy must prevent child abuse by setting clear standards for coach conduct, banning behaviors like sexual or physical abuse, and requiring coaches to report suspected abuse. The bill also mandates annual criminal background checks for all coaches (paid and volunteer) through Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency or accredited agencies, plus a check of the state teacher certification database for coaches previously employed by schools. It directly affects youth athletes under 18, their parents, coaches, and local governments operating youth sports programs.
SB 313 extends Alabama's state income tax credit for rehabilitating certified historic properties through 2032 (instead of ending in 2027) and increases the annual credit limits. It raises the credit amount for urban properties to $25,000 and lowers the threshold for rural properties to $20,000 (based on county population under 175,000). The bill directly affects property owners - individuals or tax-exempt entities - who undertake substantial rehabilitation of historic structures certified by Alabama's Historical Commission. Key provisions include updated definitions for "rural communities" and "substantial rehabilitation," ensuring the credit aligns with federal standards for historic preservation.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 86) commending Tobin "Toby" Roth for his installation as International President of Theta Chi Fraternity. It formally recognizes his lifelong service to the fraternity, including prior leadership roles and his recent appointment. The resolution has no policy impact or effect on laws or constituents; it is purely a symbolic expression of legislative appreciation. The bill passed unanimously with a voice vote in the Alabama House.
