HB 389 expands the definition of "domestic violence victim" to include children of household members who live with or visit the defendant. It establishes mandatory temporary holding periods for domestic violence arrests, requires specific bond conditions for released defendants, and increases penalties for third-degree domestic violence and strangulation offenses. The bill also adds factors for law enforcement to determine the "predominant aggressor" in mutual complaints, mandates specific victim notification language, prohibits polygraph exams for victims, and requires reporting of domestic violence incidents without arrests. These changes directly affect domestic violence victims, law enforcement officers, and courts in Alabama.
HB 484 amends Alabama law to remove reservoirs defined as public waters from the list of critical infrastructure facilities. This means unauthorized entry into such reservoirs would no longer be considered a crime under the statute for unauthorized entry to critical infrastructure. The bill revises the definition of critical infrastructure facilities to explicitly exclude these reservoirs, which are already classified as public waters under state law (Section 9-11-80). This change directly affects individuals entering public water reservoirs and law enforcement in determining whether an entry violates the law.
HB 456, the Youth Athlete Protection Act, requires local governments (cities, counties) that run youth sports programs to create a Youth Athlete Protection Policy by January 2027. This policy must prevent child abuse by setting clear standards for coach conduct, banning behaviors like sexual or physical abuse, and requiring coaches to report suspected abuse. The bill also mandates annual criminal background checks for all coaches (paid and volunteer) through Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency or accredited agencies, plus a check of the state teacher certification database for coaches previously employed by schools. It directly affects youth athletes under 18, their parents, coaches, and local governments operating youth sports programs.
HB 438 reinstates a check-off option on Alabama income tax returns for donations to Victims of Crime and Leniency, Inc. (VOCAL), which provides support to crime victims. It also removes check-off options for organizations whose contributions were previously rescinded and consolidates all remaining tax check-off provisions into a single section of law. Alabama residents who file state income tax returns can select this check-off to direct a portion of their refund to VOCAL or other designated programs. The bill updates the tax code to reflect current check-off recipients and removes outdated provisions.
HB 481 (Alabama) requires courts to prioritize victim restitution payments over all other fines, court costs, and fees in criminal cases. Specifically, it amends Alabama Code sections 15-18-65(b) and 15-18-70(b) to mandate that restitution to crime victims must be paid first, before any other financial obligations from the conviction. This directly affects criminal defendants (who must pay restitution before other debts), crime victims (who receive payments sooner), and court systems (which must enforce this payment order). The bill does not change how restitution amounts are calculated but ensures victims are compensated ahead of other financial obligations tied to the case.
SJR 29 is a non-binding resolution from the Alabama Legislature urging the President to prioritize online sextortion of minors as a top domestic issue in the State of the Union address. It cites FBI data showing over 13,000 reports of financial sextortion against minors (primarily boys) between 2021-2023, involving 12,600 victims and linked to at least 20 suicides. The resolution notes Alabama has enacted state laws (Acts 2025-302 and 2025-386) to address sextortion but emphasizes this crisis requires federal action. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies - it solely requests the President elevate the issue publicly.
SB 161 expands access to post-conviction DNA testing in Alabama by allowing individuals convicted of **any offense** (not just capital cases) who are serving prison time to request testing. It removes all existing time limits for filing such requests, which previously required motions within 12 months of a 2009 law or under specific court rules. To qualify, applicants must still prove the evidence exists, wasn’t previously tested, and could demonstrate factual innocence if results are exculpatory. The bill does not change the core requirements for requesting testing but makes the process available to a broader group of incarcerated individuals.
SB 48 prohibits Alabama law enforcement officers from using a "hog-tie" restraint (tying a person's hands and feet behind their back while face-down) or any face-down position that restricts oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck. It requires all law enforcement agencies to update their policies to ban these techniques and imposes Class A misdemeanor penalties for violations. The bill directly affects all Alabama police officers, departments, and individuals under their custody. It will take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
HB 120 extends the deadline for survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits in Alabama. It allows claims to be filed up to 20 years after the survivor turns 19 or two years after the perpetrator's criminal conviction (whichever is later), and revives certain time-barred claims by January 1, 2029. The bill removes legal barriers like notice-of-claim requirements, damage caps, and immunity protections for claims against perpetrators or negligent organizations (e.g., schools or care facilities) that failed to prevent abuse. It applies to abuse occurring on or after October 1, 2026, and tolls the statute during criminal investigations and appeals. The bill is titled the "Hidden Predators Act" and aims to provide survivors greater access to civil justice.
HB 200 authorizes Escambia County to impose an additional annual $5 fee on new vehicle registrations, transfers, or renewals starting in 2027. This fee applies to all vehicles registered within the county and is collected separately from existing vehicle registration charges. The revenue generated must be distributed monthly to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Fund for law enforcement purposes. The fee requires county commission approval by December 1, 2026, and takes effect June 1, 2026.
