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11-04-2025
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What passed in the Alabama Legislature: April 8-10, 2025
NFL Cornerback James Bradberry embraces Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 10, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Bradberry, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, was honored by the House Thursday. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Here is a list of bills that passed in the Alabama Legislature this week. House HB 462, sponsored by Rep. Tashina Morris, D-Montgomery, requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to credit military-acquired education and training toward emergency medical services personnel licensure. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 396, sponsored by Rep. Kenneth Paschal, R-Pelham, requires local tax officials to exempt disabled veterans from property taxes on their homes. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 91, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, requires individuals to obtain local government approval before constructing tall structures within two miles of military installations, empowering local authorities to halt construction that could adversely affect military operations. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SB 179, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, revises the ranks of officers authorized to impose certain disciplinary measures and to expand the types of punishments that may be administered without a court-martial. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 181, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, adopts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists to practice across member states. The bill passed 103-0 with a House committee substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. HB 459, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, removes a requirement for some members of the Board of Trustees of the University of South Alabama to live in particular Alabama Senate districts and updates notice requirements for board meetings. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, allows full-time employees at public schools who are injured on the job to use accrued sick leave for recovery. The bill passed 102-0 with a House committee substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. SB 102, sponsored by Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, gives pregnant women presumptive eligibility for Medicaid. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 46, sponsored by Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay, authorizes Class 2 municipalities to enforce the Alabama Scrap Tire Environmental Quality Act through agreements with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 263, sponsored by Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, revises the distribution of 911 service revenues by allocating funds to support a statewide 911 voice and data system; providing training for public safety telecommunicators; offering advisory services and granting financial assistance to districts. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 86, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, establishes the Rural Hospital Investment Program, offering tax credits to individuals and entities that donate to qualifying rural hospitals. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 461, sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa, allows the Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority to use funds for fundraising activities, including soliciting donations to secure additional funding. The bill passed 99-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 403, sponsored by Rep. Russell Bedsole, R-Alabaster, establishes the Alabama Criminal Enterprise Database, managed by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, to collect and maintain information on individuals identified as members of criminal enterprises or gangs. The bill passed 77-21. It now goes to the Senate. HB 61, sponsored by Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, allows homeschooled students to participate in public school career and technical education programs starting in the 2026-27 school year. The bill passed 99-1. It goes to the Senate. HB 407, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews, authorizes local redevelopment authorities to accept transient occupancy taxes as payments in lieu of taxes. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 323, sponsored by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley, exempts electric utility commodities and equipment from the requirement of obtaining oversize vehicle load permits for movement on the state's highway system. The bill passed 87-4. It goes to the Senate. HB 144, sponsored by Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, clarifies that individuals who store, fuel, repair, or maintain aircraft have a statutory lien on those aircraft for amounts due. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 392, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Greenhill, provides an annual supplemental compensation of $24,000 to the Chief Assistant District Attorney and three Assistant District Attorneys in Lauderdale County. The bill passed 20-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 399, sponsored by Rep Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, revises the process by which Lamar County disposes of personal property and removes criminal penalties for violations while maintaining civil remedies for taxpayers or unsuccessful bidders. The bill passed 17-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 428, sponsored by Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, proposes to transfer the responsibilities for selling or redeeming lands for taxes in Houston County from the probate judge to the revenue commissioner. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 432, sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, establishes service of process fees in Talladega County, specifying charges of $50 for general out-of-state court services and $100 for services involving inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Talladega. The bill passed 14-1. It goes to the Senate. HB 433, sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, revises the distribution of Talladega County's special sales and use tax revenues, allocating funds to various sectors. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 434, sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, revises the compensation structure for the Sheriff of Talladega County by adding an annual expense allowance of $15,000 starting June 1 and a base annual salary of $112,000 starting in 2027. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 463, sponsored by Rep. Van Smith, R-Clanton, authorizes the Board of Commissioners of Chilton County 911 to establish procedures for the director to make purchases using a credit or debit card. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 468, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, establishes the Marion County Service of Process Fund, requiring the collection of a $50 service fee per case for personal service of process by the sheriff in both criminal and civil divisions. The bill passed 6-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 488, sponsored by Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley, alters and extends the boundary lines and corporate limits of the Town of Cusseta in Chambers County by incorporating additional parcels of land. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 499, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, authorizes the Sheriff of Lawrence County to establish procedures for using credit and debit cards for official purchases. The bill passed 9-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 500, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, revises the compensation structure for the Lawrence County Sheriff by adding an annual expense allowance of $95,000 effective Oct. 1 and setting a $95,000 salary for the sheriff effective in January. The bill passed 8-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 502, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, authorizes the Sheriff of Escambia County to establish procedures for using credit or debit cards for official purchases. The bill passed 11-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 65, sponsored by Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, modifies the corporate boundaries of the Town of Paint Rock in Jackson County by incorporating two specific tracts along U.S. Highway 72. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 219, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, grants the Clay County sheriff the authority to manage abandoned, stolen, or unclaimed property and firearms. The bill passed 11-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 220, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, authorizes the Sheriff of Clay County to conduct fundraising events and use the proceeds for any lawful purpose related to the operation of the sheriff's office. The bill passed 6-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 235, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, transfers the fiduciary responsibilities of the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority to the City of Rainbow City. The bill passed 8-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 239, sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise, authorizes municipalities within Coffee County to contract with the Sheriff of Coffee County for police services, including enforcement of municipal ordinances. The bill passed 14-0. It now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 240, sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise, requires any individual elected or appointed as the Judge of Probate of Coffee County after June 1 must be an attorney licensed to practice law in Alabama. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 261, sponsored by Sen. April Weaver, R-Alabaster, revises the salary structure for the Probate Judge of Bibb County, provided the judge is licensed to practice law in Alabama. The bill passed 8-0. It now goes to the Gov. Senate SB 61 , sponsored by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, allows the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology to enter into the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, allowing school psychologists to have equivalent licenses in member states. The Senate concurred with House changes 31-0, sending the bill to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 90, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greenboro, would update obligations and compensation of the Greene County Racing Commission and change the appointing authority from the governor to the legislative delegation. The bill passed 14-1. It goes to the House. SB 101, sponsored by Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscambia, would raise the age at which a minor may give legal consent to medical, dental, and mental health services from age 14 to 16. The bill passed 30-2. It goes to the House. SB 211, sponsored by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, would require the local superintendent of education or a designee to report and pursue legal action relating to alleged school bus crimes and violations. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. SB 87, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would authorize licensed midwives to administer the heel stick portion of newborn screenings. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. SB 190, sponsored by Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, would require health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screening for high-risk men free of out-of-pocket costs. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to the House. SB 259, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, would increase the number of members on the Board of Trustees of the University of South Alabama. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. HB 168, sponsored by Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, allows the governing body of a local emergency management organization to enter into a mutual agreement with other organizations to receive aid, removing the decision from the director of the local emergency management organization. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 174, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, would require counties and municipalities to file certain annual reports with the Department of Revenue on business license taxes and business privilege taxes collected from businesses. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to the House. HB 27, sponsored by Rep. Kerry 'Bubba' Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, prohibits people who are on the sex offender registry from getting employed or volunteering as a first responder. The bill passed 33-0 and goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 250, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, requires public office candidates to submit a statement of economic interests within five days of the qualifying deadline, instead of within five days of filing for candidacy. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to back to the House for concurrence or a conference committee. HB 191, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, sets conditions for how local governments can enact local sales and use tax exemptions. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to back to the House for concurrence or a conference committee. SB 43, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, would prohibit health insurance companies from regulating what health care providers and pharmacists may tell patients about the cost of treatment or medication, or from informing individuals about cheaper, alternative treatments or medications. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to the House. HB 200, sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa, makes technical changes to the Business and Nonprofit Entities Code and codifies electronic filing practices. The bill passed 33-0. It goes back to the House for concurrence or a conference committee. HB 109, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, extends the termination date for the State Board of Podiatry to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 108, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey.. HB 113, sponsored by Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, extends the termination date for the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 115, sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, continues the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors through October 1, 2026. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 117, sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy to Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 252, sponsored by Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, would create new regulations and restrictions on reimbursements and fees pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) charge to pharmacies. The Senate concurred 33-0 with House changes. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey.. House HB 372, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews, authorizes Elmore County officials to levy a rental tax, effective Sept. 1. The bill passed 20-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 393, sponsored by Rep. Russell Bedole, R-Alabaster, authorizes the city council of Alabaster to establish two entertainment districts, each not exceeding a half-mile square. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 446, sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, adjusts the boundaries of the City of Daphne in Baldwin County by incorporating several specified parcels of land. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 464, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Dadeville, adjusts the compensation of the St. Clair County coroner including a base salary increase and additional expense allowances. The bill passed 11-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 485, sponsored by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxely, adjusts the corporate boundaries of the city of Loxley in Baldwin County by annexing approximately 101.12 acres known as the Bertolla Property Legislative Annexation Area 1. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 495, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, restructures the board of directors of the Marion County Public Water Authority. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 497, sponsored by Rep. Russell Bedsole, R-Alabaster, authorizes the city of Alabaster to address plant-related public nuisances on private properties. The bill passed 15-0. It now goes to the Senate. HB 511, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Brinyark, R-Windham Springs, consolidates Fayette County's tax assessor and tax collector offices into a single Revenue Commissioner position. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 512, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Brinyark, R-Windham Springs, increases the base salary of the Fayette County sheriff vase salary to $80,000 starting in 2027. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 496, sponsored by Stubbs, R-Wetumpka, grants Elmore County the authority to levy a 4.5% excise tax on wholesale vapor products in the county. The measure, a constitutional amendment, passed 64-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 83, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, requires new public buildings to include powered, height-adjustable changing tables that are fit for children and adults. The bill passed 93-2. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 380, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Rigsby, R-Huntsville, makes human cloning as a Class C felony. The bill passed 71-4. It goes to the Senate. HB 355, sponsored by Rep. Russell Bedsole, R-Alabaster, extends the time frame for filing claims with the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission from one year to two years following the injury or death. The bill passed 99-0. It goes to the Senate. Senate SB 181, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, would allow licensed respiratory therapists to practice among compact states. The Senate concurred with House changes 25-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 299, sponsored by Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, adds a $50 court fee for civil and criminal cases in Choctaw County circuit or district courts and a $25 fee for civil cases in small courts. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 300, sponsored by Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, allows the Choctaw County probate judge to collect a $10 fee for each document subject to deed and mortgage taxes. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 301, sponsored by Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, abolishes constables in Choctaw County. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 455, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, authorizes the Clarke County Commission to cover operational expenses for the coroner's office, including vehicle mileage or providing a county vehicle. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 457, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, increases the Clarke County sheriff's compensation by providing a $32,500 annual expense allowance, which later converts into a permanent salary increase at the start of the sheriff's term. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 458, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, provides Clarke County commissioners an $8,000 annual expense allowance, which will convert to a permanent $8,000 salary increase starting with the commissioners' next term. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 413, sponsored by Rep. Chad Robertson, R-Heflin, sets the salary for the sheriff and revenue commissioner of Cleburne County at $72,000, effective January 2027, and enrolls them in cost-of-living increases effective October 2028. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 325, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, allows the Lawrence County commission to form and fund fire districts. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 429, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, would extend a special county privilege license tax in Monroe County to be deposited in the county general fund. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 430, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, requires candidates for sheriff of Monroe County to be U.S. citizens and county residents over the age of 25 with at least three years of experience in law enforcement. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 431, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, increases the Monroe County sheriff's salary by $15,000 starting in 2027 and transitions current expense allowances into permanent compensation. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 92, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chasteen, R-Geneva, would prohibit the use and possession of wireless communication devices on certain public school properties and require local school boards to adopt an Internet safety policy. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 35, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, would make threats to release someone's private, explicit photos or videos to force them to do something against their will a Class B felony, punishable up to 20 years in prison. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 119, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, would prohibit possession of a firearm by a person who has been charged with committing a crime of violence, a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence, or a violent offense and who thereafter was released pending or during trial. The bill passed 26-1. It goes to the House. SB 34, sponsored by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, would require public schools to provide classes on violence prevention, conflict resolution and mediation before high school graduation. The bill passed 25-2. It goes to the House. SB 196, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would establish a program allowing eligible 11th and 12th-grade students to enroll full-time at an eligible public institution of higher education and receive high school credit for the coursework. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. HB 116, sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, continues the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board through October 1, 2027. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 119, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, extends the termination date for the Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters and Transliterators to Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 120, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, extends the termination date for the State Board of Genetic Counseling to Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 121, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board for Register Interior Designers until Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 126, sponsored by Rep. Margie Wilcox, R-Mobile, extends the termination date for the State Board of Midwifery to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. House HB 440, sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollingers Island, authorizes Mobile County to levy fire service fees to maintain fire fighting districts. The bill passed 24-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 522, sponsored by Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, authorizes the Washington County Sheriff's Office to auction off abandoned, stolen, confiscated, lost and unclaimed property or firearms. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 531, sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville, authorizes the Conecuh County Commission to impose an additional motor vehicle license and registration fee of $12. The bill passed 16-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 532, sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville, authorizes the Conecuh County Commission to appoint a chair for the remainder of the term and provide an additional expense allowance for the position. The bill passed 17-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 534, sponsored by Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, authorizes the Blount County Commission to increase the lodging tax by $3. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 539, sponsored by Rep. Bob Fincher, R-Woodland, authorizes the Randolph County Probate Judge to impose a $50 fee to record and copy maps of land plots. The bill passed 15-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 540, sponsored by Rep. Bob Fincher, R-Woodland, authorizes Randolph County to distribute the tobacco tax to the volunteer fire department, for tourism, the agricultural center and to other county funds. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 544, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, authorizes Escambia County to appoint a medical examiner. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 545, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, authorizes the Escambia County Probate Judge to impose several fees, including a $105 fee for probating a will; a $105 fee for administration; administration; a $65 fee for name changes; a $65 fee for legitimation; a $145 fee for guardianship, a $145 fee for conservatorship, a $125 fee for adoption, a $5 fee for claims against wills and estates, and a $15 and $5 fee per page for a will. The bill passed 15-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 221, sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, authorizes Mobile County to pay the Mobile County Probate Judge a $49,000 expense allowance, effective June 1, and raise the judge's base salary by $49,000 in 2031, at which point the expense allowance will be repealed. The bill passed 21-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 224, sponsored by Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay, authorizes the Mobile County Sheriff's Office to electronically monitor pretrial defendants and establish fees to fund the program. The bill passed 20-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 486, sponsored by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley, proposes a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would renew a $2 per mill property tax in Baldwin County for public hospitals. The bill passed 46-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 508, sponsored by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley, authorizes Baldwin County to create the Belforest Landmark District and prohibits others from annexing property in the district. The bill passed 41-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 477, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, authorizes the Alabama Farmers Federation to establish a health plan to provide for its members. The bill passed 98-1. The bill goes to the Senate. HB 445, sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, authorizes the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to regulate the consumable hemp market; prohibits individuals younger than 21 years old from purchasing hemp products and only allows liquor stores and designated retailers to sell consumable hemp products. The bill passed 76-15. It goes to the Senate. HB 493, sponsored by Rep. Corley Ellis, R-Columbiana, allows a child advocacy center to be certified as a full member of the Alabama Network of Children's Advocacy Centers if the center meets the standards in state statute. The bill passed 101-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 105, sponsored by Chad Robertson, R-Heflin, directs law enforcement agencies to give an officer his or her badge at retirement, and allows them to offer their agency-issued pistol for free or to sell it to the retiree. The bill passed 94-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 330, sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, aligns the permitted amount of lead in pipes and other structures in the home to federal standards. The bill passed 100-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 357, sponsored by Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, defines the terms 'cigarette' and 'heated tobacco product,' and authorizes the state to impose a 33.75 mill tax on each cigarette and $0.017 tax on each heated tobacco product. The bill passed 58-37. It goes to the Senate. HB 513, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Brinyark, R-Windham Springs, authorizes the Alabama Justice Information Commission to collect and disburse biometric data and allows the agency to use biometric devices to identify individuals. The bill passed 97-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 529, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, authorizes the state to impose a $0.10 tax on vapor products, and sets a $150 price for retailers to purchase an initial permit to sell such products. The bill passed 86-10. It goes to the Senate. HB 90, sponsored by Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, creates municipal housing authorities and authorizes them to manage housing projects and community facilities, enter business contracts and make loans, as well as the power to review and award contracts. The bill passed 97-5. It goes to the Senate. HB 42, sponsored by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, allows judges to issue a percentage bond so that defendants can be released as their cases proceed in court. The bill passed 66-32. It goes to the Senate. HB 91, sponsored by Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, expands the scope of housing authorities to manage housing projects and community facilities, to enter into business contracts, make loans, as well as the power to review and award contracts. The bill passed 96-6. It goes to the Senate. HB 481, sponsored by Rep. Mike Shaw, R-Hoover, addresses bidding processes for local school boards. The bill passed 101-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 443, sponsored by Rep. Rhett Marques, R-Enterprise, extends the Underground Damage Prevention Program to administer the One-Call Notification System to Jan. 1, 2035. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. Senate SB 200, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, would change the name of 'drug courts' to 'accountability courts' and to include offenders with mental illness and offenders who are veterans. The Senate concurred to House changes. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 288, sponsored by Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, would set the annual salary of the Barbour County supernumerary revenue commissioner at $37,125. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the House. HB 452, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscambia, increases the Colbert County sheriff's total compensation to $96,000 effective Oct. 1. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the governor. HB 456, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, allows the Clarke County sheriff to charge fees for services like fingerprinting and ankle monitors; forbids other charges; establishes a new $50 court service fee and directs proceeds to law enforcement funds without reducing existing funding sources. The bill passed 26-0. It goes back to the House for concurrence or a conference committee. HB 453, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscambia, creates a new pistol permit fee schedule in Colbert County: for those over the age of 60, $5 for a one-year permit and $25 for a five-year permit; for those under 60, $15 for a one-year permit and $75 for a five-year permit. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 298, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, would change the boundary lines and corporate limits of the city of Florence in Lauderdale County. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the House. SB 293, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, would allow the Lee County Commission to grant an additional exemption to the mandatory solid waste collection program fees to any household whose total income does not exceed 75% of the federal poverty level. The bill passed 26-0. it goes to the House. SB 286, sponsored by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, would propose a constitutional amendment to allow City of Montgomery employees to participate in the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the House. HB 349, sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, increases the annual salary of the sheriff of Russell County from $120,000 to $135,000, effective June 1. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 347, sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, would abolish the office of constable in Russell County effective June 1. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 348, sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, allows the Russell County Commission to increase the probate recording fee from $5 to $10. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 422, sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, repeals a 1969 law on distributing state gas excise tax revenues to incorporated municipalities in Russell County. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 314, sponsored by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, would allow the Shelby County Commission to levy an additional $2 motor vehicle license and registration issuance fee and provide for its distribution. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 297, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, would make the division chief of the state Office of Water Resources an exempt employee. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the House. SB 153, sponsored by Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, would require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to post instructions on how individuals who have lost their right to vote because of conviction. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 206, sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise, would establish guidelines for advising or assisting individuals in filing veterans benefits claims. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 305, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would establish the Renewing Alabama's Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) program and a dedicated fund to move the state toward a funding model that provides more resources to special needs students. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 109, sponsored by Sen. Bill Beasley, D-Clayton, would make an appropriation from the Education Trust Fund to Tuskegee University for fiscal year 2026. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 122, sponsored by Sen. Jay Hovey, R-Auburn, would appropriate from the Education Trust Fund to Southern Preparatory Academy for fiscal year 2026. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 150, sponsored by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, would appropriate from the Education Trust Fund to Talladega College for fiscal year 2026. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 111, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would transfer $375 million from the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund to the Renewing Alabama's Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Fund during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to the House. SB 114, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would make supplemental appropriations from the Education Trust Fund Advancement and Technology Fund for the current fiscal year. The bill passed 30-0. It goes to the House. SB 113, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would make supplemental appropriations for the current fiscal year from the Education Trust Fund to various agencies and entities. The bill passed 31-0. It goes to the House. SB 112, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would provide $10 billion in education funding for fiscal year 2026, which starts Oct. 1, 2025. The bill passed 32-0 and goes to House. SB 303, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would change the definition of a 'high poverty school' to no longer include schools providing meals to all students through the community eligibility provision. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. SB 289, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would require the State Board of Education to develop a success sequence curriculum appropriate for all grades and local boards of education to implement it. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. HB 309, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, allows the Public Education Employees' Health Insurance board to renegotiate Medicare retiree health benefits plans every five years, instead of every three. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 127, sponsored by Rep. Margie Wilcox, R-Mobile, extends the termination date for the Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 129, sponsored by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, extends the termination date for the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 130, sponsored by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists to Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 131, sponsored by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board of Licensure of Athletic Trainers until Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama House approves bill allowing participation in firearm surrender program
Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville (left) listens to Rep. Russell Bedsole, R-Alabaster on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 13, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Tuesday approved SB 40, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, and carried by Bedsole, which creates a firearm surrender program for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would allow people experiencing suicidal thoughts to surrender a firearm to a licensed gun dealer. SB 40, sponsored by Rep. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, passed 93-1. Known as the Houston-Hunter Act, it would provide liability protection for federally-licensed firearms dealers who choose to participate in the Safer Together Program, where they may accept surrendered firearms from community members. 'They can place their weapon in there and they can walk away,' Bedsole, who carried the Senate bill in the House, said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX He said any federally licensed firearm dealer or gun store can choose to participate in the program. Bedsole sponsors the House version of the bill, which passed the House 98-2 in February. Alabama has some of the highest rates of firearm death in the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,278 Alabamians died by gunfire in 2022, a rate of 25.5 per 100,000 people, the fourth highest in the nation and a larger total than New York States, which has almost four times the population of Alabama. The CDC said 840 Alabamians died by suicide in 2022. That ranks Alabama 26th for suicides per capita. In the United States, 54% of suicides were done by gunfire. Rep. Travis Hendrix, D-Birmingham, a former policeman, shared a story of a co-worker that almost committed suicide. 'If this program was available two years ago, he probably would've been in a better situation,' Hendrix said. Bedsole said the idea for the bill came from a crisis intervention conference he went to in Indiana. He said he met some people from Alabama that told him about the nonprofit program. 'Here's the heart and passion: If we can save just one person's life and prevent them from using their own weapon as an act of suicide, then this program is worth it,' he said. The bill passed with a House Judiciary Committee substitute that mirrored the language of the House bill in the Senate bill. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or a conference committee. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama Senate passes voluntary firearm storage bill
Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, speaks to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama Senate on Feb. 4, 2025 in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began its 2025 regular session on Tuesday. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama Senate passed a bill 31-0 Thursday to allow people experiencing suicidal thoughts to surrender a firearm to a licensed gun dealer. SB 40, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, would provide liability protection for Federal Firearms License dealers who choose to participate in the Safer Together Program, where they may accept surrendered firearms from community members. 'Because it's all voluntary, we hope that more gun owners will do that. More gun shop, retailers will be willing to do that, and so the veteran or the individual going through the crisis can go in and store those arms safely,' Kelley said after the Senate adjourned. The bill is named after two veterans, Houston Lee Tumlin and Hunter Chase Whitley, who died by suicide after returning from active duty. The proposal was first floated in August at the first Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee, where Jason Smith, an Alabama National Guard Resilience and Risk Reduction coordinator and member of the committee, said the program is designed to be voluntary, confidential and temporary, meant to delay access to firearms during periods of crisis. Alabama's veteran suicide rate in 2021 was 35.4 per 100,000 people, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. That was slightly higher than the national average (33.9) but significantly higher than the overall suicide rate in Alabama, which was 20.2 per 100,000 in 2021. Kelley said that providing additional options in times of crisis is 'absolutely critical.' 'I think that has a big role in it. Veterans can understand and talk to other veterans, and a lot of these gun shop owners are veterans themselves,' Kelley said. The bill now moves to The Alabama House of Representatives. The House passed a similar bill on Tuesday, which was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
