HB126 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Margie WilcoxRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Sunset Law; State Board of Midwifery continued with modification until October 1, 2029
Summary: HB126 would extend and modify the State Board of Midwifery to operate through October 1, 2029, with new district-based representation and reporting requirements.
What This Bill Does
It continues the State Board of Midwifery through October 1, 2029 with changes to how the board is formed and operates. It requires representation from each congressional district starting in 2025, sets staggered multi-year terms, and establishes diversity goals for appointees. It funds the board from its own funds, gives the board authority to regulate licensed midwives, and requires annual reporting by midwives on births, transfers, and deaths, with the data made public.

Who It Affects
Licensed midwives and midwifery organizations: must file annual practice data with the board (births attended, maternal and infant transfers, and deaths) and are subject to the board's regulatory oversight and funding structure.
Alabama residents and patients: will have access to public data about midwifery outcomes collected by the board, and the board's updated governance and oversight will affect how midwifery services are regulated in the state.

Key Provisions
Continuance of the State Board of Midwifery until October 1, 2029, with modifications to its structure and operations.
Board expenses paid from its own funds; no General Fund funding for the board.
Seven board members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, with each position filled from a list provided by designated organizations (at least two names per position).
Initial terms are staggered; subsequent terms minimum four years or until successor is appointed and qualified.
Meetings of the board at least twice a year (in person or electronic).
Board must elect a chair for a two-year term, who cannot serve consecutive terms.
Specific composition: four licensed midwives with certified professional midwife credentials (from a list provided by the Alabama Birth Coalition), one nurse practitioner, one licensed certified nurse midwife or RN, and one member who has used midwifery services (with terms assigned as described).
Nomination and appointment process must promote racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity; one member from each congressional district starting June 1, 2025.
Board members have immunity from individual civil liability within the scope of their duties, except for unreasonable conduct.
Vacancies filled by the Governor with Senate confirmation; new appointee serves the remainder of the term.
Members serve without compensation but may receive travel and per diem allowances.
Board may hire investigators, inspectors, attorneys, and other staff as needed, subject to merit system rules.
Licensed midwives must file annually with the board data on births attended, maternal and infant transfers, and related deaths; data made public in accordance with federal law.
The board remains subject to the Alabama Sunset Law with ongoing termination and review cycles; effective date June 1, 2025.

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