Alabama House passes HB 165 establishing federal holiday recognition

The Alabama House of Representatives convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss several key legislative items, culminating in the passage of multiple bills aimed at updating state laws and recognizing holidays.

The session began with the adoption of House Bill 165, which establishes a new holiday. Representative Ream explained that the bill simplifies the previous compromise between Jefferson Davis Day and Juneteenth into a straightforward holiday, aligning Alabama's observances with federal holidays. The bill was adopted with a vote of 83 ayes to 3 nays.

Following this, a friendly amendment proposed by Representative Hall was introduced to change the effective date of the holiday from June 30 to June 1, 2025. This amendment was also adopted with a significant majority, recording 90 ayes to 1 nay. Ultimately, House Bill 165 passed as amended with 85 ayes and 4 nays.

The House then moved on to House Bill 382, which addresses changes in real estate law. Representative Kiel highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the bill's development, thanking various stakeholders for their contributions. The bill aims to improve the collection of bad checks from agents and limit dual agency practices. The bill was adopted with unanimous support, recording 101 ayes and 0 nays.

Subsequently, House Bill 225 was introduced by Representative Hollis, which seeks to enhance the educational requirements for real estate professionals. This bill also passed unanimously, with 102 ayes and 0 nays, reflecting a strong consensus on the need for increased professionalism in the real estate sector.

In conclusion, the session was marked by significant legislative progress, with all discussed bills receiving overwhelming support. The House adjourned after a successful day of voting, with plans for further discussions in upcoming sessions.