MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Most of the new laws from 2024’s legislative session have already gone into effect, but there are still several that began with the new year in the state of Alabama.
House Bill 126 requires firefighters and medical personnel to undergo regular training related to interacting with individuals who have sensory needs or invisible disabilities. That training can be online or in-person. With AIDB in our area, it adds a pointed need for serving the sensory-impaired.
House Bill 358 involves Child Care and workforce development, and the hope is that this new law will help increase our state’s workforce while improving affordable, quality childcare. It will improve childcare options for working parents by creating an employer tax credit, a childcare provider tax credit, and non-profit childcare provider grant.
Senate Bill 209 expands the current state income tax exemption for military pay to include certain compensations of members of the National Guard and Reserve and those members who are deployed outside of the Unites States or activated to support certain emergencies.
Senate Bill 240 provides authorization for Alabama’s Probate Judges to involuntarily commit an individual with co-occurring substance use disorders, secondary to mental illness. The new law also allows the judges to establish a procedure for placing limitations on the respondent’s liberty and to determine the appropriate medical evaluation for the respondent. In the meantime, mental health providers are not required to expand their existing services unless they have the funds available to do so.
Senate Bill 297 can effect certain investments you make. Also known as the Sound Money Neutrality Act, it excludes net capital gains derived from the exchange of precious metal bullion from state income taxes. Included are coins, bars, or rounds containing primarily gold, silver, platinum, or palladium.
While training has been available to Municipal officials through the Alabama League of Municipalities, Senate Bill 291 formalizes that process and makes training for municipal officials a requirement. The new training course includes 21 different subject areas.
