HB 296 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Consumer Protection, Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act created

HB 296 creates the Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act to regulate protections offered by rental platforms (like Airbnb) when renters cause property damage. It requires platforms operating in Alabama to register with the Insurance Commissioner, obtain insurance backing for guarantees, and clearly disclose that these guarantees are not insurance. The bill mandates specific language in guarantees stating that renters can claim directly from the insurer if the platform fails to pay within 180 days. The Insurance Commissioner gains enforcement power to investigate violations and impose fines. This directly affects rental platforms and protects renters who may need reimbursement for property damage.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Feb 25, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 4 edits · Feb 17, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was updated from its initial introduction to its final engrossed version, incorporating new definitions and specific operational requirements. The most significant change is the addition of a formal definition for 'Provider' and a detailed definition for 'Rental Home Marketplace,' which clarifies exactly which companies are subject to the new rules. Additionally, the engrossed version adds a specific clause stating that the termination of an insurance policy does not reduce the insurer's responsibility for guarantees issued before the termination date, strengthening consumer protections.

Scope change

The scope was clarified by adding a new definition for 'Provider' and expanding the definition of 'Rental Home Marketplace' to include specific criteria regarding online platforms and electronic infrastructure, ensuring clearer applicability to digital rental services.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'Provider' to explicitly include rental home marketplaces and their affiliates that issue or administer guarantees.

Expanded the definition of 'Rental Home Marketplace' to include detailed criteria about providing online applications, transmitting transaction offers, and owning electronic infrastructure.

REQUIREMENT

Added a specific provision stating that terminating an insurance policy does not reduce the insurer's liability for guarantees issued prior to the termination.

TECHNICAL

Updated document metadata, including bill status labels (from 'Introduced' to 'Engrossed') and page headers.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Feb 25, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Feb 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Banking and Insurance)

upper

Feb 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 459

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 458

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Introduced

Insurance Engrossed Substitute Offered (Insurance)

lower

Jan 28, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Insurance)

lower

Jan 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Insurance)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors