Budget & Taxes (Revenue)

SB 265 modifies Alabama's tax incentives for data processing centers. It limits the maximum tax abatement period to 20 years starting January 1, 2027, and requires large data centers (meeting specific job and wage thresholds) to pay state sales/use taxes on purchases beginning the same date. The bill also extends the sunset date for these abatements and updates related tax code language. These changes directly affect new or expanded data processing centers qualifying under Alabama's definition (20+ jobs averaging $40,000+ annual compensation). The bill aims to balance economic development incentives with increased tax revenue collection for qualifying facilities.

HB 326 expands tax exemptions for Alabama Masonic lodges. It adds all subordinate lodges under the Prince Hall Grand Lodge and the regular Grand Lodge to existing state tax exemptions, covering sales, county, and municipal fees until September 2027. Local governments may also choose to exempt these groups from local sales taxes. Lodges must annually report all subordinate locations to the state revenue department.

HB 3 exempts state sales and use taxes on fresh, unprocessed fish or seafood sold directly by anglers or fishermen (defined as "producers" in the bill). This applies only to retail sales of seafood in its original, unmanufactured state. Local counties and municipalities may choose to also exempt these sales from local taxes, but only if they adopt a specific resolution or ordinance. The exemption takes effect on September 1, 2026.