HB 290, the "Nursing Mother's Act," requires Alabama employers with more than 50 employees to provide reasonable unpaid break time (up to one year after childbirth) for employees to express breast milk, allowing breaks to align with existing break times when possible. It also mandates employers to offer a private, non-bathroom space near the work area for this purpose, without requiring new construction. The law prohibits discrimination against employees using these provisions and exempts employers from providing breaks if it creates an undue hardship on operations. This bill directly affects breastfeeding employees and larger employers across Alabama, effective October 1, 2026.
HB 109 proposes a constitutional amendment to continue Baldwin County’s existing two-mill ad valorem tax (based on property value) for public hospital funding in 19 specific election precincts. The tax would be levied annually for 20 years starting October 2027, with proceeds exclusively used for hospital services in those precincts as defined in state law. This amendment requires voter approval in a constitutional election and would not change current tax rates or the designated hospital funding area.
HB 182 requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to accept military education, training, and experience as credit toward emergency medical services (EMS) personnel licensure. This directly affects veterans and active-duty military personnel (including National Guard and Reserves) seeking EMS licenses in Alabama, provided they also submit proof of passing the National Registry exam. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 22-18-4 to explicitly include military service under acceptable qualifications, while removing outdated language and making minor technical updates to the code. It does not change other licensure requirements, such as completing approved EMS courses or passing exams.
HB 127 protects pharmacists from disciplinary action by the State Board of Pharmacy or employers for recommending or dispensing drugs for off-label uses (using a drug in a way not approved by the FDA, based on a healthcare provider’s prescription). It also prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from retaliating against pharmacists or their employers for such actions and allows pharmacists to sue if terminated for this reason. The bill additionally permits over-the-counter sales of Ivermectin (for human use) and Hydroxychloroquine without a prescription. These changes apply to pharmacists and pharmacies in Alabama, excluding controlled substances. The bill is pending in the House Health Committee as of January 2026.
HB 118 prohibits the manufacture, distribution, mailing, transport, or prescription of abortion-inducing drugs in Alabama, with narrow exceptions for non-abortion purposes or specific medical emergencies (like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage-related care). It creates a private lawsuit mechanism ("qui tam") allowing individuals to sue violators for $100,000 plus fees, but explicitly blocks lawsuits against hospitals, healthcare providers, delivery services (like Uber), internet companies, and women using the drugs for abortion. The bill exempts certain entities, including hospitals, transportation network companies, and out-of-state pharmacies, from being sued under this provision. This bill directly affects pharmacies, healthcare providers, and drug distributors within Alabama, while maintaining Alabama’s existing near-total abortion ban.
SB 143 removes the expiration date (August 31, 2028) for three assessments on nursing home beds in Alabama, making them permanent. These include a supplemental privilege assessment, a secondary supplemental privilege assessment, and a monthly surcharge per bed. The bill ensures nursing facilities will continue paying these costs, and they remain fully included in Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes. This directly affects all Alabama nursing facilities participating in Medicaid, as their reimbursement rates will continue to account for these assessments.
SB 128 extends the Alabama Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory Commission's existence until October 1, 2030, with key structural changes. It moves the commission into the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) as a division, requiring ADPH to provide all administrative services (like finance, legal support, and staff) and transfer all commission property to the department by October 1, 2026. The bill also modifies appointment rules, removing the need for Senate confirmation of members and changing how vacancies are filled. This directly affects the oversight of sickle cell disease programs in Alabama, ensuring continued coordination under ADPH.
HB 276 allows certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) and certified nurse midwives (CNMs) to endorse physical examination forms for K-12 student athletes, treating these endorsements as equivalent to physician signatures. It requires public schools to only join athletic associations that accept such CRNP/CNM endorsements, prohibiting membership in associations that refuse to accept them. The law applies specifically to physicals verifying student eligibility for school athletic participation and takes effect October 1, 2026. This change directly affects K-12 schools, athletic associations, and healthcare providers who conduct these physicals.
HB 129 would amend Alabama law to allow licensed midwives to administer certain newborn screening tests for diseases, which they currently can only order. This change directly affects licensed midwives providing care outside hospitals and the newborns under their care, aligning with the state's Newborn Screening Program. The bill updates Section 34-19-16 to permit midwives to both order and administer these tests (as specified in Section 22-20-3) without requiring referral to another provider. The policy change aims to streamline screening access for families using midwifery services in non-hospital settings, with the law set to take effect October 1, 2026.
HB 263 prohibits Alabama businesses and organizations (covered entities) from sharing or using consumers' biological data (like genetic or physiological information) or neural data (nervous system measurements) without the consumer's specific, prior written consent. It requires entities to notify consumers before any data transfer or use and allows consumers to block such actions. The Attorney General's Consumer Interest Division can enforce the law, imposing $3,000 civil penalties per violation for non-compliance. This bill directly affects Alabama residents whose data is handled by companies in sectors like health tech, fitness trackers, or medical services.
