Healthcare

HB 15 would exempt eyeglasses and contact lenses from Alabama's sales and use tax. Currently, these items are taxed under state law, but the bill would remove that tax obligation. This change would directly affect consumers purchasing optical aids and retailers selling them, as they would no longer pay or collect tax on these items. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 40-23-1 to add eyeglasses and contact lenses to the list of tax-exempt products.

HB 40 requires Alabama health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screening without deductibles, copayments, or other out-of-pocket costs for two groups: men over 50 and men at high risk for prostate cancer. High-risk men are defined as African American men or those with a father, brother, or son who had prostate cancer (diagnosed, developed, or died from it), or who carry certain genetic markers. The bill amends Alabama law to expand existing coverage requirements, ensuring these screenings are fully covered at no cost to patients. This directly affects insured men in Alabama who fall into these categories, removing financial barriers to early detection. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026.