Alabama House passes seven bills including local tax and drug court reforms

The Alabama House of Representatives convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss and vote on several key pieces of legislation, resulting in the passage of multiple bills affecting various counties and public services.

Among the notable bills was House Bill 372, introduced by Representative Ingram, which pertains to Elmore County. The bill received unanimous support, passing with a vote of 65 to 0. Similarly, House Bill 393, related to the city of Alabaster, also passed without opposition, with a final vote of 62 to 0.

The session continued with House Bill 446, concerning Baldwin County, which was adopted with a vote of 55 to 0. House Bill 485, another measure related to Baldwin County, followed suit, passing with 52 votes in favor and none against.

House Bill 496, a constitutional amendment proposed by Representative Stubbs, was particularly significant as it included provisions for a local vape tax and funding for volunteer fire departments in Elmore County. This bill passed with a vote of 64 to 35, meeting the required threshold for constitutional amendments.

In addition to local bills, the House also addressed Senate Bill 200, which aims to rename drug courts to accountability courts and expand their reach across the state. This bill passed unanimously, reflecting strong bipartisan support.

Another important piece of legislation was Senate Bill 83, which mandates the installation of powered height-adjustable adult changing tables in new or significantly renovated public restrooms starting in 2028. This bill, designed to assist adults with disabilities and their caregivers, passed with a vote of 93 to 2.

The session concluded with a series of votes on various bills, showcasing the House's commitment to addressing local needs and enhancing public services across Alabama. The successful passage of these bills indicates a proactive approach to legislative responsibilities and community support.