This bill establishes the Rural Behavioral and Mental Health Access Act to improve mental health and substance use treatment services in Alabama's rural areas, which are defined as regions outside incorporated cities with populations over 25,000. The legislation creates a dedicated state fund to finance construction and staffing of rural treatment facilities, provides grants for telehealth equipment and broadband infrastructure, and offers financial incentives like scholarships and loan repayment for behavioral health professionals who work in rural communities. Additionally, the bill requires the Alabama Department of Mental Health to fund primary care practices that integrate behavioral health services through hiring mental health professionals and implementing collaborative care models. The program is designed to expand access to care by supporting new clinics, improving telehealth capabilities, and building a stronger rural mental health workforce, with an effective date of October 1, 2026.
HB 376 requires Alabama public K-12 schools to implement age-appropriate screen time limits and internet access restrictions for each grade level. It mandates the State Board of Education to create a model policy for technology use in classrooms, which local school boards must adopt and implement by the 2027-2028 school year. The bill also requires schools to provide parents with access to a list of instructional technology used in their child's classroom and, upon request, details about device usage and browsing history. All instructional technology must support learning, avoid distractions, comply with privacy laws, and be evidence-based. The State Board must adopt implementing rules to enforce these requirements.
SB 199 restricts certain adult sex offenders convicted of child-related offenses from using post office boxes or electronic devices with internet access (like phones or tablets), as determined by their parole or probation officer. It requires these offenders to complete sex offender treatment - including periodic polygraph exams - as a condition of release, with costs based on their ability to pay. Violating these restrictions or treatment requirements is punishable by a Class C felony. The bill also authorizes the Board of Pardons and Paroles to create rules for implementing these provisions.
HB 75 requires Alabama public high schools to excuse students from class during instructional time for organized National Signing Day events related to athletic scholarships, college commitments, apprenticeships, or military enlistment. The bill directly affects high school students participating in these specific opportunities, ensuring they can attend without academic penalties. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations like meeting spaces with internet access for these activities. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.
HB 26 would require parole or probation officers to restrict certain adult sex offenders (those convicted of offenses involving children) from using post office boxes or electronic devices with internet access, such as computers, tablets, or phones. It also mandates that courts or the Board of Pardons and Paroles may require these offenders to complete sex offender treatment, including periodic polygraph exams, as a condition of release. Violating these restrictions or treatment requirements would be a Class C felony. The bill applies specifically to sex offenders under community supervision (like parole or probation) and authorizes the Board to create rules for implementing the treatment program, which would include cost-sharing based on the offender’s ability to pay. The bill is pending in the Alabama House Judiciary Committee and would take effect October 1, 2026, if passed.
HB 4 establishes the Alabama Broadband Investment Maximization Act, exempting purchases of broadband equipment and supplies for projects funded or administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) from state sales and use taxes. This directly affects ADECA-funded broadband infrastructure projects by reducing their costs. The exemption covers equipment like cables, antennas, and routers used for broadband services or internet access, but excludes personal devices such as smartphones and consumer routers. The tax exemption applies from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029, and does not extend to local county or municipal taxes unless specifically approved.
