Public Safety and Homeland Security

HB 465 creates a new "Invisible Disability" license plate decal program for Alabama residents with specific medical conditions or their primary caregivers. It allows eligible individuals - diagnosed with conditions like autism, PTSD, diabetes, or cognitive disabilities - to apply for the decal through local officials by providing a physician's diagnosis and paying standard registration fees plus any distinctive plate costs. The decal does not grant special parking access; separate permits are required for that under existing law. The program will take effect January 1, 2027, and the design will be created by Kulturecity, Incorporated under state approval.

SB 94 increases penalties for misusing Alabama's disabled parking spaces. It makes it a Class B misdemeanor (a more serious offense) to park in designated disabled spots using a disabled license plate or placard when not actually disabled or not transporting someone with a disability. This applies to anyone without proper authorization, including those using stolen, altered, or expired placards. The bill strengthens enforcement by specifying these violations as a clear misdemeanor, replacing vague prior penalties. It directly affects drivers who improperly use disabled parking privileges, including those with expired permits or fake credentials.

SB 233 proposes to amend penalties for drivers who elude or attempt to elude law enforcement officers. It changes the classification of violations under existing law (subsections (a) or (b)), likely increasing penalties for this offense. The bill specifies that drivers must stop "at the nearest safe place," emphasizing officer and public safety during pursuits. This bill directly affects drivers who flee police and is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee.

HB 86 revises Alabama's parole guidelines to require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to give special attention to three specific factors when considering parole: an inmate's low risk of reoffending (based on a validated assessment), their employment during incarceration, and education completed while in prison. The bill also mandates that the board consider other factors in its guidelines and provide written reasons for all parole decisions. This change directly affects inmates seeking parole and the board's decision-making process, though the board retains full discretion to approve or deny parole. The revised guidelines must be reviewed every three years and posted online for public access.

SB 326 authorizes Alabama’s State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to create rules governing where and how boats can anchor or raft together in state waters. These rules may set minimum distances between vessels, restrict anchoring near shorelines, private homes, marinas, or public access areas, and address safety or environmental concerns. ALEA can enforce these rules through citations, towing fees, or vessel removal, with violations treated as standard boating offenses. The bill directly affects boat owners, operators, and waterfront property owners by establishing clear regulations for vessel placement in Alabama’s waterways.