HB 493 Alabama House · 2025 Regular Session

Child advocacy centers; certification by Alabama Network of Children's Advocacy Centers further provided for

HB 493 revises the certification process for child advocacy centers in Alabama. The bill allows the Alabama Network of Children's Advocacy Centers to certify a center as a full member if it meets existing statutory standards *and* any additional standards approved by the network's Board of Directors. These additional standards are intended to ensure compliance with national best practices. Achieving full member certification is crucial for child advocacy centers to be eligible to receive state funding distributed through the network.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Apr 1, 2025 Signed May 14, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Enrolled · 5 edits · May 14, 2025
MODERATE
This bill was finalized and enrolled for signature, with substantive changes to how child advocacy centers receive state funding. The main updates include clearer definitions of membership types, increased funding amounts for centers over time, and new rules for how remaining funds are distributed based on actual services provided.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on children's advocacy centers in Alabama, but the funding structure and eligibility criteria were expanded and clarified.
DEFINITION

Added formal definitions for 'Associate Member Center', 'Board of Directors', 'Full Member Center', 'Network', and 'Pilot Project' to clarify terminology.

FISCAL

Increased base funding amounts for full member centers from $50,000 to $75,000 in the second year and to $100,000 in subsequent years, with new provisions for continued associate member funding.

Added new allocation rules requiring 90% of state appropriations to be distributed based on actual forensic interviews and counseling services provided, rather than just membership status.

ELIGIBILITY

Added provisions that centers failing to meet standards for one year or longer lose funding eligibility until recertified, with funds reallocated to remaining centers.

TIMELINE

Added effective date of October 1, 2025, and certification signatures from House and Senate officials.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
6
Committee
4
May 7, 2025
Upper · Passed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1018
upper
Apr 16, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported Out of Committee Second House
upper
Apr 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Pending Committee Action in Second House (Children and Youth Health)
upper
Apr 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 787
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported Out of Committee House of Origin
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Children and Senior Advocacy)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Corley Ellis
Corley Ellis
RRepublican
AL
41