HB 33 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Driver licenses and learner permits; age in which the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency may deny an application for failure to meet certain school enrollment and graduation criteria changed, accepted criteria further provided for

HB 33 removes school enrollment and attendance requirements for applicants under 19 seeking or renewing driver licenses in Alabama. Currently, minors must provide school enrollment documentation or face license suspension if they withdraw (after 10+ unexcused absences). The bill eliminates all such requirements, including documentation of disciplinary points, school withdrawal notifications to the DMV, and automatic license suspension for withdrawal. This directly affects Alabama residents under 19 who apply for or renew driver licenses, simplifying the process by removing school verification steps.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Aug 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Aug 14, 2025 Last action Feb 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 6 edits · Feb 5, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was amended to change the age threshold for requiring high school graduation or equivalent documentation from 19 to 17 years old. It also expanded the list of acceptable alternatives for students who have not yet graduated, adding exemptions for sole transportation dependents and specific withdrawal circumstances. Additionally, the bill clarifies the process for students withdrawing from school due to reasons beyond their control, preventing automatic license suspension in those cases.

Scope change

The bill's applicability now extends to younger applicants (17-year-olds) who were previously exempt from strict graduation documentation requirements until age 19.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed the age limit for requiring graduation documentation from 19 to 17 years old.

Added a new exemption allowing students to apply if a physician certifies they are the sole source of transportation for their parents.

Added a new exemption for students who have already graduated from high school or secondary school.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the list of acceptable non-traditional education options to include obtaining a high school diploma or GED.

Added a requirement that students withdrawing from school must receive documentation from the school to present to the law enforcement agency to exempt themselves from suspension.

ENFORCEMENT

Clarified that school officials must determine if a student's withdrawal is due to circumstances beyond their control before reporting it to prevent license suspension.

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 11, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety)

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 292

lower

Feb 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 291

lower

Feb 5, 2026

Introduced

Public Safety and Homeland Security 1st Substitute Offered (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

lower

Jan 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors