2025 Alabama Legislative begins Feb. 4

The first legislative session of 2025 is set to begin Feb. 4, 2025. Here is a look at just some of the bills that have been prefiled for the new session. We’d love to hear the community’s thoughts on upcoming legislation. Comments can be sent to news@citizenea.com. 

HB 2 - Alabama House Bill 2 (HB2), prefiled by Rep. Chip Brown for the 2025 Regular Session, seeks to mandate written parental or legal guardian consent for minors to receive vaccinations. Under current Alabama law, minors aged 14 and older can consent to medical treatments without parental approval. HB2 proposes an amendment requiring unemancipated minors to obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian before receiving any vaccination. Exceptions are made for minors who are financially independent or living apart from their parents and managing their own affairs. 

Supporters argue that the bill reinforces parental rights in medical decisions involving their children. Critics, however, express concerns that it could impede timely access to vaccinations for minors, potentially affecting public health efforts. As the legislative process continues, stakeholders and citizens are encouraged to follow developments and participate in discussions regarding the implications of HB2.

HB 7 - Alabama House Bill 7 (HB7), prefiled on July 8, 2024 by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R), seeks to establish procedures for state and local law enforcement agencies regarding the arrest, detention, and transportation of individuals unlawfully present in the United States. The bill, known as the Laken Riley Act, would authorize state and local law enforcement officers to arrest individuals based solely on their status as illegal aliens or for violations of federal immigration laws. Additionally, it mandates that state and local government employees send, receive, and maintain information related to an individual’s immigration status for public safety purposes. Upon introduction, the bill will be referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. If enacted, the legislation would also require county and municipal jails to honor immigration detainer requests issued by the Department of Homeland Security and establish quarterly reporting requirements regarding foreign nationals.

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HB 20 - Alabama House Bill 20 (HB20), prefiled on July 8, 2024, by Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham), seeks to prohibit discrimination based on weight or body size in public accommodations and employment. The bill aims to make it unlawful for individuals to be denied full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations or for employers to discriminate against applicants or employees due to their weight or body size. The bill will be referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. If enacted, the legislation would establish a state cause of action against employers who engage in such discriminatory practices. 

HB 23 - Alabama House Bill 23 (HB23), prefiled by Rep. Kenyatté Hassell (D-Montgomery), proposes a requirement for individuals to obtain a permit before carrying assault weapons in vehicles or on their person, or before acquiring such firearms. This legislative effort aims to regulate the possession and acquisition of assault weapons within the state. The bill is currently waiting for further action from the House Judiciary Committee. 

HB 67 - Alabama House Bill 67 (HB67), introduced on Dec. 4, 2024, by Rep. Scott Stadthagen, seeks to enhance parental rights by imposing specific restrictions on public institutions. The bill prohibits public K-12 schools and public libraries from knowingly presenting or sponsoring drag performances in the presence of minors without obtaining consent from the minor’s parent or legal guardian. Additionally, HB67 addresses overnight programs for minors operated or sponsored by state entities. It stipulates that during such programs, minors are not permitted to share multi-occupancy bathrooms, changing facilities, or sleeping quarters with members of the opposite sex, unless the individuals are family members and the minor’s parent or legal guardian has provided approval. 

The bill has been referred to the House State Government Committee for further consideration.