2026 Alabama Legislative Update: Regular Session - Week Four

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Limits on State Environmental Regulations

On Tuesday, the Senate passed a bill, sponsored by Senator Donnie Chesteen and Troy Stubbs, which would prohibit Alabama agencies from adopting environmental regulations more stringent than federal standards. In areas where no federal rule exists, the bill would require new state regulations to be based on the “best available science” and the “weight of scientific evidence.” Supporters framed the bill as providing regulatory consistency and predictability for industry. The legislation has sparked some debate on the Senate floor, marking one of the first major disputes of the session. This bill now moves to the House for further consideration.

Data Center Abatement Reform Bill

This week, Senator Andrew Jones and Representative Leigh Hulsey introduced a bill tightening tax incentives for data centers by reducing the maximum state abatement period from 30 to 20 years beginning in 2027, and ending state sales‑tax abatements once a project is placed in service, starting in 2028. Local abatements may continue, and rural projects could still qualify for extended state abatements. The bill applies only to new agreements.

Large‑Load Data Center PSC Review Bill

Another bill, sponsored by Senator Lance Bell and Representative Neil Rafferty, would require Public Service Commission (PSC) review of utility contracts serving data centers with loads of 150 megawatts or more. It mandates full cost recovery for utilities and a “positive benefit” finding to ensure large customers do not increase costs for other ratepayers. The PSC may also require minimum contract terms and financial protections.

Public Service Commission Appointment Reform Bill

On Thursday, a bill was introduced by Senator Bobby Singleton and Representative Chip Brown that restructures PSC membership by shifting future seats from elections to appointments: the governor would appoint the first commissioner in 2028, followed by appointments from legislative leaders in 2030. Appointees require Senate confirmation. The bill also adds new conflict‑of‑interest rules, requires an annual public meeting, and bars lobbying costs from being charged to ratepayers.

Volunteer Fire Department Financial Institutions Bill

On Wednesday, a Senate committee held a public hearing on legislation by Senator Rob Stuart and Representative Craig Lipscomb that would authorize volunteer fire departments and rescue squads to deposit and manage their funds in federally insured financial institutions, including both banks and credit unions. During the hearing, credit unions voiced support for expanding deposit options, while others raised concerns about regulatory consistency, tax implications, and the appropriateness of directing public‑purpose funds into tax‑exempt institutions.

Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act

Representative David Faulkner has introduced a bill, the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, establishing new statewide safety standards for overnight youth camps. The legislation follows the deaths of several campers, including 8‑year‑old Sarah Marsh, in severe flooding at a Texas camp last year. Under the bill, camp operators would be required to obtain a safety license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, develop emergency and evacuation plans for events such as flash flooding and severe weather, and ensure effective communication systems are in place for staff and campers. The act also prohibits certain convicted criminals from serving as camp staff and creates an independent Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council to advise on implementation and future safety developments. The legislation is intended to formalize preparedness measures and strengthen oversight of Alabama’s camps.

Ban on Foreign Influence in Alabama Elections

On Tuesday, the House passed a bill, sponsored by Representative James Lomax, prohibiting foreign nationals from directly or indirectly contributing to candidates, PACs, ballot measures, constitutional amendments, or referendums. The legislation is intended to mirror existing federal restrictions and close loopholes. Violations would constitute a Class C felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

SNAP Restrictions on Soda and Candy Advance in Senate Committee

A Senate committee this week approved legislation that would restrict the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing soda and certain sugary foods. The bill, sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr, would require the Alabama Department of Human Resources to seek a federal waiver to exclude soda and candy from the list of eligible SNAP items. The bill includes amendments narrowing the definitions of soda and candy and directing the Department of Revenue to maintain a list of prohibited products. Supporters argued the measure aligns Alabama with other states seeking to address high obesity rates, while opponents raised concerns about fairness and administrative burden. The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

Ignition-Interlocks

This week, the Alabama House passed legislation that would mandate ignition‑interlock devices for first‑time DUI offenders. The bill, sponsored by Representative Barbara Boyd, would add a mandatory interlock requirement to existing first‑offense penalties, which currently include a 90‑day license suspension, fines, and DUI education. Ignition‑interlock devices prevent a vehicle from starting unless the driver passes a breath‑alcohol test. Lawmakers adopted an amendment prohibiting the reinstatement of a regular driver’s license until an offender has held a restricted interlock‑linked license for 180 days. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Predator Death Penalty Act

On Thursday, the Senate passed the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, sponsored by Matt Simpson and April Weaver. This legislation would make the first‑degree rape, sodomy, or sexual torture of a child under 12 a capital offense. While being debated on the House floor, lawmakers noted that constitutional questions remain, but the law reflects a renewed effort to strengthen penalties for the most severe crimes against children. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, where it is expected to pass. The bill has been sent to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for signature.

Save Our Bay 

On Tuesday, the Senate passed legislation, sponsored by Representative Rhett Marques and Senator Chris Elliott, requiring that at least 70% of dredged material from Mobile Bay be put to beneficial use, such as marsh creation or shoreline protection. Previous questions regarding the funding of this project have now been addressed. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. The bill has been sent to the Governor for her signature.

App Store Age‑Verification Requirements

The Senate has now passed legislation that would require major app store providers to verify the ages of users, link minor accounts to a parent or guardian, and obtain parental consent before minors can download or purchase apps. This bill has been sent to the Governor for her signature. 

Status of the Legislature

The legislature used two working days this week, bringing its current total to ten of its allotted 30 legislative working days. 

As of February 6, 406 bills have been filed in the House, and 271 bills have been filed in the Senate.

The House will reconvene on Tuesday, February 10, at 1:00 PM, and the Senate will reconvene on the same day at 3:00 PM. Upon return, the legislature will use two working days.