HB96 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Chris PringleRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Debtors homestead exemption; in bankruptcy cases; increase homestead exemption for seniors and disabled
Summary: HB96 would raise the homestead exemption to $56,400 for seniors and people with disabilities and require bankruptcy exemptions to be determined by the law in effect on the petition filing date.
What This Bill Does
The bill increases the homestead exemption to $56,400 for residents 62 or older or with a disability. In bankruptcy cases, the exemption amount would be based on the law in effect on the date the petition is filed, not the debt date. It also updates and clarifies how exemptions are applied, including the 160-acre limit, joint ownership rules, and that a mobile home used as a primary residence counts as a homestead. The measure takes effect on June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Seniors age 62+ and individuals with disabilities who would receive a higher $56,400 homestead exemption protecting their home from creditors.
Debtors filing for bankruptcy and their creditors, who would see changes in how the exemption amount is determined (petition date versus debt date) and in the processes for applying and protecting the exemption.

Key Provisions
Increase the homestead exemption to $56,400 for residents 62+ or with a disability.
In bankruptcy cases, determine the exemption amount by the law in effect on the filing date of the petition (not the debt date).
Clarify that the homestead protection can apply up to 160 acres, with separate exemptions for jointly owned property and protections for mobile homes used as a primary residence.
Require certain steps (commissioners) to allot the exempted portion when limits are exceeded, and outline sale procedures if the exemption does not cover the debt.
Include conforming, non-substantive revisions to update code language to current style.
Effective date: June 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: Civil Procedure