HB407 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ben HarrisonRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to state government; to prohibit a state agency or other political subdivision of the state from taking certain actions in response to treaties; and to provide penalties for violations.

Summary

HB407 would require Senate ratification before Alabama state agencies or political subdivisions can implement treaty provisions and would impose penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits using state funds, personnel, or facilities to implement treaty provisions unless there is a U.S. Senate ratification resolution. If an agency or subdivision violates this, the bill creates a state-court action for injunctive and declaratory relief and allows damages up to $10,000 per violation plus attorney fees. If an agency adopts a rule, regulation, ordinance, or guidance that requires treaty compliance without ratification, the agency must prove the treaty was not a factor in creating the rule. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved.

Who It Affects

• State agencies and other political subdivisions of Alabama, who would be barred from implementing treaty provisions without Senate approval and could face lawsuits and penalties.
• Individuals or entities who might be harmed by improper treaty implementation, who could sue for injunctive/declaratory relief and seek damages and attorney fees.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits using state funds, personnel, or facilities to implement treaty provisions without Senate ratification.
• Allows civil lawsuits for violations with injunctive/declaratory relief, damages up to $10,000 per violation, and attorney fees.
• Requires agencies that adopt rules or guidance requiring treaty compliance without ratification to prove the treaty was not a factor in the rulemaking.
• Provides an effective date: first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.