State Governmental Affairs

HB 407 designates the current Miss Alabama titleholder as an "Official State Ambassador" during their one-year term. The bill defines this role as an honorary position focused on promoting Alabama at ceremonial, tourism, and community events - such as representing the state at festivals, cultural showcases, or military family initiatives - without granting any policymaking authority or compensation. It explicitly states that state agencies may voluntarily coordinate with the ambassador for public engagement but are not required to do so, and the role automatically transfers to the next Miss Alabama upon her selection. The bill takes effect on June 1, 2026.

HB 435 allows Alabama's Department of Revenue to issue title certificates for manufactured homes manufactured in 1999 or earlier upon request. This directly affects owners of older manufactured homes who currently lack title documentation. The bill authorizes the Department of Revenue to process these title requests without requiring new inspections or fees beyond standard procedures. It takes effect on January 1, 2027, and does not change existing requirements for newer manufactured homes. The bill is procedural, focusing on expanding title issuance options for a specific age group of homes.

This bill would allow political parties in the state to choose whether to require voters to declare their party affiliation when voting in primary elections. Under current rules, voters must register their party preference to participate in primary elections, but this legislation would give political parties the option to opt out of that requirement. If a party chooses to opt out, its executive committee must notify the Secretary of State in writing before the change takes effect. The bill also includes technical updates to the voter registration system and rules for implementing these changes. This policy affects voters who participate in primary elections and the administrative processes for political parties managing those elections.

SB 45 requires individuals applying for certain driver licenses in Alabama to present documentation proving lawful presence in the United States. This affects applicants seeking specific license classes under Section 32-6-18 of the Alabama Code of 1975. The bill revises licensing rules to invalidate licenses issued without this proof of lawful presence. The measure is currently pending committee review in the Alabama Senate.

This bill bans "slap fighting" in Alabama, defined as unarmed combat where opponents stand at arm's length and take turns slapping each other in the face without moving or defending. It directly affects promoters, managers, and participants in such events, as well as the Alabama Athletic Commission, which now has expanded enforcement powers. The law authorizes the Attorney General to sue violators and imposes criminal penalties: Class C felonies for promoters/managers who knowingly violate the ban, and Class B misdemeanors for fighters. Violators may also face civil fines up to $25,000, with penalties applied alongside other relevant criminal laws. The bill amends existing athletic commission statutes and takes effect October 1, 2026.