HB244 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ben HarrisonRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

State government, prohibits a state agency or other political subdivision of the state from taking certain actions in response to treaties

Summary

HB244 would stop Alabama state agencies and political subdivisions from acting on treaty provisions unless the U.S. Senate has ratified the treaty, and it sets penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits state agencies or subdivisions from using state funds, staff, or facilities to implement treaty provisions without Senate ratification. It creates a state-court civil action for injunctive and declaratory relief, damages up to $10,000 per violation, and reasonable attorney fees when violations occur. It also requires agencies that adopt rules or guidance to comply with a treaty to prove that the treaty was not a factor in adopting the rule. The act becomes effective June 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• State agencies and other political subdivisions of Alabama: prohibited from implementing treaty provisions without Senate ratification and could face lawsuits and damages if they violate the prohibition.
• Individuals or entities affected by treaty-related actions: can sue for injunctive and declaratory relief and may be awarded damages up to $10,000 per violation plus reasonable attorney fees; agencies must justify that the treaty was not a factor when adopting related rules.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits using state funds, personnel, or facilities to implement treaty provisions without a Senate ratification resolution.
• Creates a civil action in state court for violations, allowing injunctive and declaratory relief, damages up to $10,000 per violation, and reasonable attorney fees.
• If an agency adopts a rule, regulation, ordinance, or guidance to comply with a treaty without ratification, the agency must prove the treaty was not a factor in that decision.
• Effective date is June 1, 2024.

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

Subjects

State & State Officers