What New Alabama Laws Take Effect Today?

The majority of new laws enacted by the Alabama Legislature last spring have already been added to the books but there were eight that became enforceable with the new year at midnight.

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Here is a briefing on each new edict:

House Bill 126 requires firefighters and medical personnel to undergo regular training related to interacting with individuals who have sensory needs or invisible disabilities. It allows that training to be in-person or online. West Alabama Representatives Ron Bolton (R-District 61) and Bill Lamb (R-District 62) were co-sponsors.
House Bill 358 involves Child Care and workforce development by essentially improving childcare options for working parents. It creates an employer tax credit, childcare provider tax credit, and non-profit childcare provider grants. The goal of the new law is to help increase the state’s workforce by improving affordable, quality childcare. West Alabama Representative Chris England (D-District 70), Artis (A.J.) McCampbell (D-District 71), and Curtis Travis (D-District 72) were co-sponsors.
House Bill 445 imposes tighter controls on consumable or inhalable products, especially those containing psychoactive compounds. Alabama will enforce a more comprehensive regulatory framework governing the manufacture, distribution, and sale of hemp products. The updated rules affect items commonly found in convenience stores, vape shops, and specialty retailers, including gummies, beverages, oils, and smokable hemp products.
Under the new framework:
- Retailers must comply with stricter licensing requirements before selling hemp-derived products.
- Products must meet defined chemical composition standards, including limits on intoxicating cannabinoids.
- Packaging and labeling rules are expanded to require clearer ingredient disclosures and consumer warnings.
- Enhanced testing and documentation requirements apply throughout the supply chain.
State officials say the changes are intended to improve consumer safety, reduce confusion between legal hemp products and illegal marijuana, and prevent unregulated access by minors. Businesses that fail to comply may face penalties ranging from product seizures to license suspension.
For retailers and distributors, the January 1, 2026, enforcement date serves as a firm deadline to update inventory, supplier relationships, and compliance systems. Violations will carry legal penalties:
- First offense: Civil penalty of $5,000 fine
- Second offense: Civil penalty of $7,000 fine
- Third offense: Civil penalty of $10,000, Class C felony, loss of business license
Senate Bill 196 the "Move on When Ready" bill allows high school juniors and seniors to take college classes to receive high school and college credit.
Senate Bill 209 expands the current state income tax exemption for military pay to include certain compensations of members of the National Guard and Reserve and those members who are deployed outside of the Unites States or activated to support certain emergencies. West Alabama Senators Gerald Allen (R-District 21), and April Weaver (R-District 14) were co-sponsors.
Senate Bill 240 authorizes a judge of probate to involuntarily commit an individual with co-occurring substance use disorders secondary to mental illness. It also allows them to establish a procedure for placing limitations on the respondent’s liberty and determine the appropriate medical evaluation for the respondent. Mental health providers are not required to expand their existing services unless they have the funds available to do so.
Senate Bill 291 involves training for municipal officials. This training course will involve 21 different subjects:
- (1) The general powers of municipalities. (2) The duties of mayors and governing bodies of municipalities. (3) Ethics. (4) Annexations. (5) The authority to expend municipal funds. (6) Parliamentary procedure. (7) Conflicts of interest. (8) Legislative advocacy. (9) Liability. (10) Public records. (11) Police and planning jurisdiction. (12) Public works bidding. (13) Revenue sources. (14) Competitive bid laws. (15) Budgeting. (16) Audit requirements. (17) The public purpose doctrine. (18) The Open Meetings Act. (19) Municipal boards. (20) Zoning. (21) Any other subject recommended by the Alabama League of Municipalities.
Senate Bill 297, also known as the Sound Money Neutrality Act, will exclude net capital gains derived from the exchange of precious metal bullion from state income taxes. Included are coins, bars or rounds containing primarily gold, silver, platinum or palladium.