LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

This week, the Alabama Legislature settled into the third week of the legislative session. It was a two-day session week on Tuesday and Thursday, with Wednesday full of committees. Eight session days of the allotted 30 are now complete. A total of 602 bills have been introduced: 364 bills in the House of Representatives and 238 bills in the Senate.

Some bills of interest introduced this week include changes to certain campaign finance laws, economic development incentives, changes to data privacy regulations, and additional consumer protection laws.

Some bills of interest in committee this week include changes to the crime of leaving the scene of a crime; changes to the Uniform Trust Code and the Uniform Qualified Disposition in Trust Code; more legislation related to consumer protection and technology; updates to Aniah’s Law; and changes to the crime of making a terrorist threat to schools.

A bill passed in the Senate this week expanded the crime of exploitation and abuse of an elder. This legislation would prohibit the inheritance of property when one is convicted of abuse, exploitation, or causing the death of an elder. Another bill moving in its second house limits certain provisions of nondisclosure agreements in civil cases of sexual abuse, deeming them unenforceable.

The Alabama Law Institute has introduced its bills updating Alabama laws. They have six bills this year. One of them includes amendments to the Alabama Uniform Guardianship and Conservatorship Act: SB 83 (Orr) and HB 249 (Faulkner). This legislation would update the way Alabama approaches guardianships and conservatorships. It includes clarifications to the process of removing a proceeding from probate to circuit court in counties where the probate judge is not a lawyer vested with equity jurisdiction, clarifies notice requirements, guardians ad litem appointments and duties, and addresses certain temporary or emergency issues.

As always, the Alabama State Bar encourages all members to be aware of legislation that may impact court costs and fees. Access to justice is a priority. Please be aware of advertisements that may be occurring for local bills and those that may already be filed to use the courts as a fundraiser for non-court entities. We encourage you to be informed and notify us as well.

LEGISLATIVE TRACKING

We are excited to present a new tracking method for our members this year. Hopefully, it will prove to be a more user-friendly experience.  The Alabama State Bar provides legislative status reports concerning pending legislation into the following categories for your convenience:  Civil/General; Court Costs; Criminal; Domestic Relations; Elections, Ethics, and Government Relations (EEGR); Judicial; and Tax.

A comprehensive master list containing all tracked legislation is also available here.

Look Up A Specific Bill Here

LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

The House of Representatives has adjourned until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 1:00 pm.