HB 428 prohibits injecting and storing carbon dioxide in underground wells (including Class VI wells) without approval from the county or municipal governing body where the well is located. It requires applicants to pay a $50,000 fee, submit detailed documentation about their experience, finances, and legal history, and undergo a 45-day public awareness period with community meetings. Local governments must consider environmental impacts, community effects (like property values), infrastructure costs, and alignment with local development when deciding applications, with a 30-day review period after public hearings. The bill directly affects carbon storage companies seeking to build such facilities and gives local communities significant control over site approvals.
HB 431 imposes a 20% tax on companies storing carbon dioxide underground in designated wells (like those used for carbon capture projects), based on the market value of the stored CO2 at injection time. It directly affects businesses using underground storage facilities for carbon management, such as those operating Class VI wells regulated under federal law. The tax revenue is split equally: 50% goes to Alabama’s state General Fund, and the other 50% is distributed to the local county or municipality where the storage occurs, to be spent at the discretion of local officials. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2026, and requires monthly tax payments to the state Department of Revenue.
SB 266 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit the injection and storage of carbon dioxide in underground wells within Covington County, Alabama. This would directly affect any entity or individual seeking to use underground wells for carbon dioxide storage (including projects involving Class VI wells under federal EPA regulations) in that county. The bill requires voter approval through a statewide election to become part of Alabama's constitution, as it amends the state constitution rather than enacting immediate law. If approved, the prohibition would take effect as a permanent constitutional restriction.
HB 414 removes criminal penalties for transporting live feral swine in Alabama, changing current law that treated this as a Class B misdemeanor with a $2,500 minimum fine. The bill directly affects landowners, hunters, and others who transport feral swine, as well as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which can no longer restrict such transport. Key provisions delete all criminal penalty language related to transportation and explicitly state that transporting feral swine is not a criminal offense. The bill also prohibits the conservation department from banning this activity, taking effect immediately upon enactment.
HB 463 prohibits transporting live catfish harvested from Alabama public waters outside the state. It directly affects anglers, commercial harvesters, and anyone moving live catfish (specifically from the Ictaluridae family) out of Alabama. The bill amends existing law to add criminal penalties: a $1,000 fine for a first violation (Class B misdemeanor) and $2,000 for repeat offenses (Class A misdemeanor). The key provision bans out-of-state transport of live catfish - unlike the existing rule for other fish that allows limited personal use transport. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 525 proposes a constitutional amendment to grant Covington County's Commission new authority to create local rules (ordinances) for unincorporated areas. Specifically, it would allow the Commission to protect public health/welfare, regulate environmental impacts of industries or projects, and impose fines for violations. The amendment does not permit new taxes or county authority within municipal boundaries (unless contracted with a city). This change requires voter approval through a statewide election under Alabama law.
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Local Government
HB 349 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Whorton Bend Agricultural Protection Act in Etowah County, Alabama. It defines the boundaries of the Whorton Bend Community area (a peninsula along the Coosa River) and prohibits new commercial, industrial, or high-density residential development that would interfere with agriculture or environmental protections. The bill allows existing agricultural operations, farm-related businesses (like equipment storage or produce stands), and pre-existing commercial structures to continue operating, while banning new multifamily housing, apartment complexes, and projects that alter wetlands or riverbanks. This directly affects landowners and developers within the defined area by restricting future development to preserve the region's farming and environmental character.
HB 162 prohibits Alabama state agencies from creating or modifying environmental rules that set stricter standards than federal requirements for issues like air quality, water pollution, drinking water, hazardous waste, or contaminated sites. If no federal standard exists for a specific environmental issue, the bill requires agencies to base any new rule on "best available science" with a demonstrated causal link to proven human harm (like diagnosable disease), not just potential risk. The law exempts rules required by federal law, less strict rules, or emergency rules. This bill directly affects Alabama environmental agencies (like the DEP) and industries subject to environmental regulations, limiting their ability to enact stricter local standards without scientific justification.
HB 181 requires entities dredging over 1 million cubic yards of material annually in Alabama's coastal areas to use at least 70% of that dredged material for "beneficial use," such as restoring habitats, creating recreational areas, or industrial applications. It explicitly excludes simply dumping material into public waters unless part of shoreline restoration or marsh creation projects. Exceptions include situations where federal funds are available for beneficial use or during a state emergency declared by the Governor. The law, set to take effect October 1, 2026, applies only to large-scale coastal dredging operations.
SB 119 requires any entity dredging over 1 million cubic yards of material annually in Alabama's coastal areas to use at least 70% of that dredged material productively - such as for fish habitat, recreation, or commercial purposes - instead of disposing it in public waters. It directly affects large-scale dredging operations, including port maintenance or coastal development projects. The bill mandates the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and Conservation and Natural Resources to create rules implementing this requirement, including updating coastal management programs. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and includes a temporary emergency exception if the Governor declares a state of emergency.
