HB157 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Pebblin W. WarrenRepresentative
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt, Finance Director to notify each agency of allocation, appropriations conditional on tobacco revenues, appropriation of additional tobacco settlement funds, audit, Children's Affairs Department to report to Legislature and Children's Policy Council, appropriations from General Fund to various entities
Summary: HB 157 allocates tobacco settlement funds for FY2020 from the Children First Trust Fund to multiple state agencies, requires quarterly, revenue-backed allocations, transfers some funds to the General Fund, and allows additional tobacco funds with approval and oversight.
What This Bill Does
The bill appropriates $39,885,565 from the Children First Trust Fund for FY2020 to designated agencies. It requires tobacco settlement revenues be deposited into the fund within 30 days, provides for written notification of expected allocations, and sets quarterly allocations conditioned on revenue availability. It transfers the portion of CF Trust Fund receipts currently allocated for the State Board of Education to the State General Fund in FY2020. It adds $48,901,593 from other tobacco settlement funds for FY2020 to additional programs, and allows further tobacco revenue appropriations only with specified approvals. It requires a plan of investment with quality assurance measures overseen by the Department of Early Childhood Education, along with reporting to certain legislative bodies, and permits adjusted plans if requested by agencies. The act Take effect immediately upon passage.

Who It Affects
State agencies and program recipients listed in the act (e.g., Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Department of Human Resources, Juvenile Probation Services Fund, Alabama Medicaid Agency, Department of Youth Services, Department of Public Health, etc.) by receiving designated appropriations and operating under quarterly, revenue-driven allocations and approved investment plans.
State government and oversight bodies (Director of Finance, Department of Early Childhood Education, Governor, Joint Interim Legislative Oversight Committee, and the Alabama Children's Policy Council) who oversee deposits, allocations, investment plans, reporting requirements, and approval processes for additional tobacco funds.

Key Provisions
Section 1(a): Appropriation of $39,885,565 from the Children First Trust Fund for FY2020 to listed agencies for specific purposes.
Section 1(b): (1) All tobacco settlement revenues designated for CF Trust Fund must be deposited within 30 days; (2) Director of Finance must notify agencies prior to Sept 1, 2019 of expected allocations; (3) quarterly allocations aligned to revenue availability; (4) allocations conditioned on receipt of tobacco revenues.
Section 2: A portion of CF Trust Fund receipts currently allocated for the State Board of Education shall be transferred to the State General Fund in FY2020.
Section 3: Additional appropriation of $48,901,593 from other tobacco settlement funds for FY2020 to ECE, 21st Century Debt Service, Senior Services Trust Fund, Alabama Medicaid Agency, and Medicaid Waiver.
Section 4: Any additional tobacco revenues available for FY2020 shall be conditionally appropriated upon approval by specified officials and Governor.
Section 5: Funds from the CF Trust Fund may be allotted only after ECE certifies an approved plan of investment; plan must include at least four quality assurance measures and require reporting and auditing; notification to local legislators 10 days before funds reach recipients.
Section 6: ECE must report approved plans to the Joint Interim Legislative Oversight Committee and the Alabama Children's Policy Council; plans may be adjusted upon request; funds should meet immediate needs of children as conditions change.
Section 8: Effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Children First Trust Fund