Hearing
Senate Veterans and Military Affairs (Senate) Hearing
Finance and Taxation at 09:00:00
HB421 Alabama 2024 Session
Updated Feb 23, 2026
Low Interest
Summary
- Primary Sponsor
David FaulknerRepresentativeRepublican- Session
- Regular Session 2024
- Title
- Polygraph Examiners Board; polygraph device defined; computer voice stress analysis exempted
- Summary
HB421 updates Alabama’s polygraph law by defining what counts as a polygraph device, excluding computer voice stress analysis, and strengthening licensing and instrument requirements.
What This Bill DoesIt defines 'polygraph device' and clarifies that equipment used for computer voice stress analysis is not considered a polygraph device. It requires polygraph examiners to use instruments that, at minimum, record cardiovascular pattern, respiratory pattern, and galvanic skin response, while allowing additional physiological data to be recorded. It makes it unlawful to administer polygraph examinations or to present oneself as a polygraph examiner without a board-approved license, and it prohibits using devices that do not meet the minimum requirements; the act also includes nonsubstantive language updates and takes effect immediately.
Who It Affects- Licensed polygraph examiners and those seeking licensure, who must use compliant instruments and operate under a board-approved license.
- Public agencies and government employers (cities, counties, and the state) that administer or oversee polygraph examinations, who must ensure licenses and compliant devices are used.
Key ProvisionsAI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.- Definition of 'polygraph device' and explicit exclusion of equipment used for computer voice stress analysis.
- Minimum instrumentation requirement: instruments must record cardiovascular pattern, respiratory pattern, and galvanic skin response (with allowance for additional changes).
- Prohibition on using non-compliant devices or practicing polygraphy without a board-approved license; unlawful to hold out as a polygraph examiner without license.
- Immediate effectiveness and nonsubstantive, technical language updates to align with current code style.
- Subjects
- Authorities, Boards, & Commissions
Bill Actions
H
Enacted
H
Enacted
H
Delivered to Governor
H
Enrolled
S
Signature Requested
H
Ready to Enroll
H
Ready to Enroll
S
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1140
S
Third Reading in Second House
S
Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar
S
Reported Out of Committee Second House
S
Pending Senate Veterans and Military Affairs
S
Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs
H
Engrossed
H
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 615
H
Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 614 7JSJV22-1
H
Faulkner 1st Amendment Offered 7JSJV22-1
H
Third Reading in House of Origin
H
Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar
H
Reported Out of Committee House of Origin
H
Pending House Public Safety and Homeland Security
H
Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Calendar
Hearing
House Public Safety and Homeland Security (House) Hearing
Room 206 at 09:00:00
Bill Text
Votes
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Roll Call 615
Yes
102
Abstained
1
Motion to Adopt - Roll Call 614 7JSJV22-1
Yes
102
Absent
1
Third Reading in House of Origin
Yes
99
Absent
4
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Roll Call 1140
Yes
32
Absent
3
Third Reading in Second House
Yes
32
Absent
3
Documents
Bill Text (Enrolled)
HB421 Alabama 2024 Session - Enrolled
Bill Text (Engrossed)
HB421 Alabama 2024 Session - Engrossed
Bill Text (Introduced)
HB421 Alabama 2024 Session - Introduced
Amendment
House Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 614
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note - As Introduced
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note - As Passed First Chamber
Source: Alabama Legislature