SB6 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017, memorial marker required, penalties revised

Summary

SB6 tightens protections for Alabama memorials by requiring original names or markers when memorial buildings are replaced, speeding waiver decisions, expanding penalties, and authorizing civil action to enforce preservation.

What This Bill Does

If a memorial building is replaced, the new building or replacement park must keep the original name or the government must erect a marker honoring that name. If a memorial is razed and not replaced, the government must erect a marker memorializing the original name or event. Waiver decisions are now deemed denied if the committee does not act within 90 days, penalties for violations are revised, and the Attorney General can sue to enforce the rules with fines deposited into the Alabama State Historic Preservation Fund; there are also emergency-repair provisions allowing temporary relocation with restoration within one year. The act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Controlling governmental entities (state, county, city) that maintain memorial buildings, streets, or monuments; they must preserve naming or add markers, follow waiver processes, and could face penalties for noncompliance.
• Public stakeholders and heritage/historical organizations (and the general public) who participate in waiver considerations and are affected by memorial naming decisions and preservation practices.

Key Provisions

• When replacing a memorial building, the replacement must keep the original name or the government must erect a marker memorializing the original name/event.
• If a memorial is razed and not replaced, the replacement park/space must maintain the original name; if not replaced, a marker must be erected memorializing the original name/event.
• A waiver petition can be denied by default if the Committee on Alabama Monument Protection does not act within 90 days.
• Penalties for violations are revised: fines up to $25,000 plus $5,000 per day for ongoing violations, with the Attorney General authorized to seek civil action; fines go to the Alabama State Historic Preservation Fund; restoration can stay the fine pending completion.
• There are emergency-relief provisions allowing temporary relocation or protection of a memorial site for emergencies, with restoration required within one year.
• The act clarifies required waiver submissions (documentation, origin history, commentary, and new facts) and allows public/heritage input in the waiver process.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Authorities, Boards, & Commissions