Alabama Legislature Advances Gaming, Abortion Drug Ban

Written by Brent Wilson on March 3, 2026

This Week in Brief

During the week of February 23 through March 1, 2026, the Alabama Legislature saw 83 new bills introduced and 60 bills pass a chamber. Lawmakers took 414 roll call votes, and 53 bills were signed into law, while zero were vetoed. High-interest legislation regarding gaming, abortion-inducing drugs, school prayer, and civil claims for child sexual abuse took center stage.

State Lottery and Casino Gaming

SB257 would amend Alabama’s constitution to authorize a state lottery, casino-style gaming, and sports wagering, both in person and online. If approved by voters, the bill would allow the Legislature to establish these gaming operations and create a new Gaming Commission in the executive branch to license and regulate them, including a law enforcement division to police unlawful gaming.

The legislation would also prohibit any new local constitutional amendments relating to gaming. Furthermore, it authorizes the Governor to negotiate a Tribal-State compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for Class III games and sports wagering on trust lands. Any new form of gaming beyond those listed would require a three-fifths vote in both chambers.

Ban on Abortion-Inducing Drugs

HB118 would prohibit the manufacturing, distribution, mailing, transporting, prescribing, or providing of abortion-inducing drugs in Alabama, effective October 1, 2026. The bill includes narrow exceptions for non-abortion purposes, medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancy removal, or removal of a dead unborn child caused by miscarriage.

The measure creates a private qui tam enforcement mechanism, allowing individuals to sue violators while barring the state or its subdivisions from participating. Successful lawsuits would result in injunctive relief, an award of at least $100,000 per violation, and coverage of costs and reasonable attorney fees. The bill lists several exempted parties, including women using the drugs, certain health care entities, internet service providers, and delivery networks.

School Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

HB511 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the daily Pledge of Allegiance in public K-12 schools. Each local board would be required to vote within 90 days on whether to adopt a policy allowing consenting employees and students to participate in daily prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts.

Participation would require signed consent forms, including waivers of liability, and the policy must ensure that these activities do not count as instructional time or involve non-consenting individuals. Noncompliant boards could face investigations by state education officials and lose 25% of their state funding, with the Legislature authorized to reduce funding further for continued violations.

Natural Born Citizenship Requirements

SB21 would amend the Alabama Constitution to require natural born U.S. citizenship for a broad list of state and local offices, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, judges, legislators, and various statewide officials. The bill also updates age and residency rules, such as requiring the Governor to be at least 30 years old with 10 years of U.S. citizenship and 7 years of Alabama residency.

The requirement would extend to local officials such as sheriffs, district attorneys, circuit clerks, and constables, as well as members of the State Board of Education. The amendment would repeal conflicting provisions of the current constitution and require voter ratification.

Reviving Civil Claims for Child Sexual Abuse

SB43 proposes adding Section 95.1 to the Alabama Constitution, allowing the Legislature to revive civil claims arising from child sexual abuse that were previously barred by time limits. A general law could establish rules for reviving these claims, including retroactive application.

The legislation defines “child sexual abuse” as sexual conduct directed at a person under 19, including non-contact exploitation. It prohibits the revival of claims that have been finally adjudicated or released by a signed settlement, and clarifies that the measure does not revive criminal prosecutions.

Other Bills Moving Forward

In economic development, HB135 passed the Senate to create the Alabama Port Infrastructure Grant Program and Fund, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Affairs. HB359 passed the House, clarifying tax rebates under the Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Investment Act and requiring certification of project costs. HB393 passed the Senate to align research and development incentives with the Alabama Jobs Act.

In education, SB168 passed the House, prohibiting the use of the three-cueing system as a method of teaching reading in public K-12 schools.

Regarding elections, SB230 passed the Senate, authorizing campaign funds to be used for security expenses to protect candidates, elected officials, and their families or staff.

Other bills advancing include HB159, allowing circuit clerks to participate in both a supernumerary program and the Employees’ Retirement System, and HB182, extending military service credit allowances for emergency medical services personnel licenses.

Signed Into Law

Several bills were signed into law in the last week, primarily dealing with the continuation of state agencies reviewed by the Alabama Sunset Committee. These include SB101 (Board of Electrical Contractors), SB102 (Board of Home Medical Equipment), SB122 (Board of Registration for Foresters), SB126 (Private Investigation Board), and SB127 (Board of Examiners in Counseling).

Additionally, HB313 was signed, proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize a senior property tax exemption in Blount County.