SJR 28 is a resolution commending Sandra "Sandy" Thompson for her 17-year service as Director of the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives (AVMA). It recognizes her leadership in growing the museum's artifact collection to 2,000 items, moving the museum to a larger facility, and launching community programs like "Threads of Honor" and monthly "Coffee Calls" to engage veterans and raise funds. The resolution expresses the Alabama Legislature's gratitude for her role in making the AVMA a major tourist attraction and community hub, attracting over 12,000 annual visitors. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or funding provisions.
This is a memorial resolution (SJR 27), not a substantive legislative bill. It formally expresses the Alabama Legislature's sorrow over the death of William Grant Lynch, Jr. (1953-2025), a longtime president and chairman of Talladega Superspeedway and a prominent figure in NASCAR. The resolution honors his life, career, and community contributions, including his leadership at Talladega Superspeedway, civic service, and role in NASCAR's history. It does not create any new laws, policies, or affect any group or individual through legislative action.
HB 140 modifies subdivision regulations by creating a limited exception for developers transferring land to immediate family members. The bill allows such transfers to be exempt from standard subdivision rules for a maximum of 24 months. This exception does not apply in counties where local law already requires land division via recorded plat. The bill directly affects developers making family transfers and county governments managing land subdivision requirements. It clarifies that existing recorded plat requirements remain in place, limiting the exception's scope.
SB 60 requires Alabama's Department of Corrections (DOC) to check for active arrest warrants against inmates at key stages: during intake, when considering work release, before parole board review, and 90 days before sentence completion. It also mandates the Board of Pardons and Paroles to check warrants when reviewing parole eligibility. If a warrant is found, the DOC must notify courts or prosecutors and arrange virtual court hearings for inmates (avoiding physical transport), per existing law. The bill directly affects inmates, DOC staff, parole boards, and law enforcement agencies. It becomes effective January 1, 2027.
SB 177 requires all health benefit plans sold in Alabama to cover breast cancer screening and diagnostic breast exams without charging insured individuals any deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. It directly affects Alabamians who rely on health insurance for these services, expanding existing coverage for mammograms (for women 40+) to include diagnostic imaging of breast abnormalities. The bill mandates that insurers provide these specific screenings at no out-of-pocket cost, applying to all health benefit plans (excluding limited policies like dental or accident coverage). The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 253 increases the annual fee for Alabama’s volunteer and professional firefighter distinctive license plates from $1 to $10. The additional funds collected will be distributed equally (25% each) to four specific fire service programs: the Alabama Firefighter Memorial in Tuscaloosa, the Firefighter Peer Support Program, the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, and the Alabama Firefighters Emergency Relief Fund. This bill directly affects eligible firefighters who apply for these specialized license plates through county licensing offices. The fee changes and fund distribution mechanisms are effective January 1, 2022, as specified in the amended statutes.
HB 74 requires Alabama county and municipal law enforcement agencies to provide retiring officers with their agency-issued badge as part of retirement benefits. It also permits agencies to offer retiring officers their agency-issued pistol as a benefit or sell it to them at a reasonable fair market price. The bill applies only to officers employed by agencies certified under Alabama’s Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission and who are in good standing at retirement. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026, formalizing existing agency practices without creating new benefits or eligibility requirements.
HB 33 removes school enrollment and attendance requirements for applicants under 19 seeking or renewing driver licenses in Alabama. Currently, minors must provide school enrollment documentation or face license suspension if they withdraw (after 10+ unexcused absences). The bill eliminates all such requirements, including documentation of disciplinary points, school withdrawal notifications to the DMV, and automatic license suspension for withdrawal. This directly affects Alabama residents under 19 who apply for or renew driver licenses, simplifying the process by removing school verification steps.
HB 35, the "Alabama Squat Truck Law," bans raising a vehicle's front fender four or more inches higher than the rear fender through suspension, frame, or chassis modifications. It directly affects vehicle owners who alter passenger cars or trucks for non-commercial use, with exceptions for bona fide commercial or agricultural vehicles. Violations carry fines up to $250, increasing with repeat offenses within five years, and the law takes effect October 1, 2026. The bill aims to address safety concerns linked to modified vehicle height but does not apply to standard commercial or farm equipment.
HB 25 prohibits releasing chemicals or substances into the air to alter weather conditions (like temperature or sunlight intensity) within Alabama. Violators face a Class B misdemeanor charge and fines up to $100,000 per offense. The bill creates the Alabama Air Pollution Control Fund, funded entirely by these fines, to support air pollution reduction efforts. It requires the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to administer the fund and establish a public online reporting system for violations.
HB 41 would reclassify rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual torture as capital offenses when the victim is under 12 years old. It would also require individuals convicted of these crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 30 years before becoming eligible for parole. The bill amends Alabama’s criminal code to add these offenses to the existing list of capital crimes, which currently includes murder under specific circumstances. This legislation directly affects individuals convicted of sexual violence against children under 12 and would increase penalties for such crimes.
HB 56 requires autocycle operators and passengers to wear protective headgear and shoes meeting motorcycle safety standards, ending an existing exemption. It directly affects owners and riders of three-wheeled autocycles (vehicles designed with a steering wheel, roll cage, and three ground wheels). The bill amends Alabama law to apply the same headgear and footwear requirements from motorcycle regulations (Section 32-5A-245) to autocycles, effective October 1, 2026. This change applies to all autocycle operation, excluding enclosed cabs. The bill is pending in the House Public Safety Committee as of January 2026.
