Healthcare (Prescription Drugs)

This bill proposes to exempt Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc. and JHC Pharmacy, LLC from all state, county, and municipal fees and taxes. The exemption would apply for a five-year period starting May 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2031. The legislation would take effect immediately upon passage, removing the requirement for these two healthcare entities to pay various local and state taxes during the specified timeframe.

This bill modifies Alabama's manslaughter laws to broaden the circumstances under which someone can be charged with manslaughter when providing controlled substances. It removes the requirement that the substance must specifically contain fentanyl, applying instead to any controlled substance that causes the recipient's death. The penalty for this offense would increase from a Class B felony to a Class A felony with a mandatory minimum life sentence. Medical professionals licensed to practice medicine, pharmacy, or dentistry are excluded from these provisions. The changes would take effect on October 1, 2026.

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.