SB 237 clarifies that Alabama's ethics laws do not restrict public universities from accepting grants, conducting research, collaborating with others, or developing intellectual property through technology transfer agreements. The bill directly affects public institutions of higher education and their staff by removing ambiguity that might have discouraged such activities under existing ethics rules. It specifies these exceptions apply only when activities follow the institution's own established policies. The law takes effect on June 1, 2026, and does not alter broader ethics requirements for public employees.
This bill is a resolution honoring the life of Ann Nobles Coleman, who passed away on March 8, 2026. It formally acknowledges her contributions to her faith community and family while expressing sympathy to her grieving relatives. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as a commemorative gesture to recognize her legacy and offer condolences to her loved ones.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Chambers County, Alabama to levy a property tax specifically to support volunteer fire departments. The tax would apply to all real property in the county except in areas where paid fire departments already provide services, which can opt out by passing a local resolution. Collected funds would be distributed to volunteer fire associations based on the area they serve and could only be used for equipment, facilities, training, and operational costs, not salaries or administrative expenses. The amendment would be voted on by voters in a special election scheduled for November 2026.
This bill honors Sheyann Webb-Christburg, the founder and executive director of the Young Ladies of Class Mentorship and Debutante Program in Alabama. It formally recognizes her 45-year career as a youth advocate and the program's mission to provide young girls with mentorship, leadership training, and etiquette education. The resolution celebrates the program's impact on fostering character development and civic engagement among participants. This is a commemorative measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to acknowledge the organization's contributions to youth development.
This bill is a resolution that formally records the death of Marguerite Jordan Stone, a Birmingham resident who passed away at age 98. The text honors her life by detailing her achievements as an educator, church member, and sorority leader, while expressing sympathy to her surviving family. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a commemorative tribute to her contributions to her community.
SB 360 proposes expanding the Public Service Commission to include representatives from congressional districts and revises commissioner term lengths, with changes phased in by the 2029 election. The bill also establishes the Secretary of Energy as a cabinet-level position and updates how electric utility rates are calculated. Additionally, it protects unclassified employees currently appointed by commissioners from losing their jobs, requiring the Secretary of Energy to work with the State Personnel Board to transition them into classified service. These changes aim to restructure state energy and utility oversight while protecting existing staff employment conditions.
SB 243 sets a $7.50 annual fee for pistol permits in Jefferson County, with a $37.50 fee for five-year permits. The bill specifies how these fees are split: $4.50 goes to a retirement system, $0.50 to the sheriff's fund, and $2.50 to a new Jefferson County Legislative Delegation Office Fund. If the Legislative Delegation Fund exceeds $120,000, excess funds must be distributed to public schools based on student enrollment (using 2013-2014 data) for school operations and security. The bill affects Jefferson County pistol permit holders and county finances, with no changes to permit eligibility or requirements.
SB 47 would allow child support orders established within one year of a child's birth to include payments dating back nine months before the birth. This means courts could require parents to pay support for the final nine months of pregnancy and early infancy, covering costs like medical expenses. The bill directly affects parents and children in cases where support orders are set shortly after birth. It amends Alabama law to change the retroactivity period for these specific cases, replacing the previous two-year limit for past support.
HB 398 exempts the organization "High Socks for Hope" from paying state sales and use taxes. It also allows Alabama counties and municipalities to choose whether to exempt the same organization from local sales and use taxes. The bill directly affects High Socks for Hope by removing a tax burden on its sales, and local governments by giving them the option to provide the same exemption. The exemption becomes effective on September 1, 2026.
SB 274 removes makeup application and blow-dry styling services from the licensing requirements of Alabama's Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Specifically, it amends state code to define "makeup application" (including airbrushing) and "blow-dry styling" (cleansing, drying, or arranging hair without cutting or chemicals) as exempt practices. This means individuals offering these services no longer need a cosmetology license to operate, directly affecting independent makeup artists, beauty stylists, and small businesses providing these specific services. The bill updates existing definitions in the code to reflect these exemptions without changing other regulated cosmetology practices.
HB 102 allows surviving spouses of disabled veterans to retain a special license plate after the veteran's death. It authorizes the issuance of a new "Disabled Veteran Spouse" plate upon returning the original plate, providing proof of marriage, and paying a $5 fee. The plate remains valid for the spouse's lifetime or until remarriage, replacing the need for regular registration fees. This change directly affects spouses of veterans who previously held "Disabled Veteran" plates and updates existing code language to reflect the provision. The bill does not alter parking privileges for these plates.
SB 201 requires Alabama public schools with JROTC programs to make those programs available to homeschool and private school students who live in the school's neighborhood district and are dependents of active-duty military parents performing specific types of military service. This includes service members on federal or state orders requiring a permanent or temporary relocation (like deployments or base changes). The bill applies to students meeting standard JROTC eligibility requirements, ensuring military-connected students have access to these programs regardless of their school type. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
