This resolution (SJR 20) formally commends the Alabama Birth Equity Initiative, a Black women-led coalition addressing Alabama's maternal health crisis. It recognizes their work to combat high maternal mortality rates - disproportionately affecting rural, Black, and Indigenous communities - through midwifery training, mobile health units, and addressing systemic issues like medical racism and food insecurity. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but expresses legislative support for the initiative's community-centered approach to improving prenatal care and birth outcomes. It specifically highlights their focus on expanding midwifery access and "wraparound" services like housing and childcare support.
SB 262 increases the annual salary for Jefferson County's sheriff to $225,000 starting with the next term of office, replacing previous compensation levels. It temporarily sets a base salary of $160,000 and adds a $40,000 annual expense allowance (payable monthly from county funds) until the higher amount takes effect. The bill also requires the sheriff to receive cost-of-living adjustments matching those given to deputy sheriffs in Jefferson County. This legislation directly affects the Jefferson County sheriff's compensation and is specific to that county's payroll structure.
This resolution (HR 94) is a formal expression of mourning and tribute for Barbara Ann Coleman Sharp, a Mobile, Alabama resident and longtime educator who died on February 2, 2026, at age 70. It honors her 30-year career teaching at John Will Elementary School, her service at Delaware Street Missionary Baptist Church, and her life as a devoted family member. The resolution records the House's "deep sadness" at her passing and extends condolences to her surviving family, including her fiancé, sons, grandchildren, and extended family. It does not create any new policy or affect any group beyond commemorating her life.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HR 93) passed by the Alabama House of Representatives to honor Russell Davis upon his retirement. It commends him for 41 years of service as Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA), including his leadership of the HBAA's 8,000-member organization and the Alabama Home Builders Self Insurers Fund. The resolution recognizes his professional achievements, military service, and industry awards, offering "highest tribute" as he begins retirement. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or financial provisions - it solely expresses legislative appreciation.
SB 268 changes how Alabama's Public Service Commission (PSC) is governed. It shifts commissioners from elected positions to appointments by the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate President Pro Tempore (with Senate confirmation), starting after the 2026 election. The bill also expands conflict-of-interest rules to cover nonutility groups involved in PSC matters, requires quarterly public meetings with utility representatives to discuss industry trends, and prohibits utility customers from paying for lobbying expenses related to PSC proceedings. These changes directly affect PSC commissioners, utility companies, and ratepayers in Alabama.
SR 34 is a procedural resolution establishing a "Special Order Calendar" for the Alabama Senate. It prioritizes specific bills (like HB161 and SB59) to be considered immediately on the 10th legislative day, overriding regular business. This resolution does not change laws or affect citizens; it only sets the Senate's scheduling order for upcoming legislative business. The resolution was introduced and adopted on February 5, 2026.
This resolution (HR 91) formally commends Cathy Waller McGowin for eight years of service on the Alabama Women's Commission, including her role as Commission Chair since 2020. It highlights her nursing career, community volunteer work (such as with Camp Rap-A-Hope and the Junior League of Mobile), and leadership in initiatives like the 211KNOW text program. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for her contributions to women's and family services in Alabama.
HR 95 is a resolution commending Kris Sullivan for his 18-year service as Executive Pastor of First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa. It recognizes his leadership during the 2011 tornado recovery, pandemic ministry adaptations, and financial management that made the church debt-free by 2020. The resolution expresses the Alabama House's gratitude for his service to the congregation and community, highlighting his work with local food banks, missions, and emergency response. As a purely commemorative resolution, it does not create any new policy or affect legislation.
SB 267 requires most Alabamians to obtain a permit to carry a pistol in a vehicle or on their person starting January 1, 2027, replacing the current no-permit requirement. Exceptions include carrying on personal property, at home, at a fixed business location, or with an unloaded pistol locked in a vehicle compartment. Violating this requirement would be a Class A misdemeanor. Existing concealed carry permits remain valid until the effective date, and the bill also revises employer property carry rules and makes minor code adjustments.
This is a commemorative resolution (HR 98), not a policy bill. It formally honors the life and legacy of Frank Poole, Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama, who died on January 31, 2026, at age 80. The resolution expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' deep sadness at his passing and recognizes his roles as a devoted family man, longtime Montgomery City Hall mail carrier, and active church member. It serves as a tribute to his life and extends condolences to his family, including his wife of 59 years, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
HB 402 would streamline Alabama's land bank system by shortening the redemption period for tax-delinquent properties to one year, allowing local land banks to acquire such properties more quickly through public auctions. The bill restricts the geographic areas where land banks can operate, eliminates the public notice requirement for selling land, and grants tax exemptions to properties owned by land banks. It also enables multiple counties to form joint land banks through agreements, permits land banks to transfer properties for flood management, and requires a portion of future property taxes on sold land to be returned to the land bank for five years. Additionally, the Governor would gain authority to create a land bank by executive order during emergencies.
HB 406 would amend Alabama's school grading system to exclude students on alternative education pathways who receive a non-standard high school diploma (instead of the standard diploma) from the performance metrics used to assign annual report card grades. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, these students' academic data would no longer be factored into school or district report card calculations. This change directly affects schools serving students on such pathways by adjusting how their overall performance is measured for accountability purposes. The bill does not alter diploma requirements but modifies the grading criteria to better reflect school performance for this student group.
