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HB 134

Sales and use tax; manufactured homes; revise and expand exemption

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by James Burchett and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 134 reallocates fines from vehicle violations to local law enforcement, boosting their funding while imposing stricter penalties for parking offenses.

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Bill Summary · HB 134

Summary of House Bill 134

Bill Number: HB 134
Title: Motor vehicles, disbursement of fines and fees from driving without a valid license plate, special access parking violations, and disability parking violations further provided for
Status: Enacted
Introduced: February 04, 2025
Effective Date: October 1, 2025
Repeal Date: This act shall be repealed three years after the effective date.

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 134 aims to amend existing laws regarding the distribution of fines and fees related to motor vehicle violations, specifically focusing on:
- Driving without a valid license plate
- Special access parking violations
- Disability parking violations

The bill seeks to redirect the financial penalties collected from these violations to local law enforcement agencies, thereby enhancing their funding and operational capabilities.

Key Provisions

  1. Fines for Driving Without a Valid License Plate:

    • The bill stipulates that half of the fines collected for operating a vehicle without a valid license plate will be allocated to the law enforcement agency that issued the citation. The other half will continue to be distributed as per existing regulations for motor vehicle licenses and registration fees.

  2. Fines for Special Access and Disability Parking Violations:

    • All fines collected from violations related to special access and disability parking will be directed entirely to the law enforcement agency that issued the citation. This represents a significant change from the previous distribution model, where fines were split between the agency and the State Treasury.

  3. Penalties for Violations:

    • The bill establishes specific penalties for parking violations:
      • First Offense: Minimum fine of $50
      • Second Offense: Minimum fine of $200
      • Third or Subsequent Offense: Minimum fine of $500, along with a requirement to complete 40 hours of community service.

  4. Enforcement Authority:

    • The bill grants authority to municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers to enforce these provisions, including on private property.

  5. Community Service Requirement:

    • For repeat offenders of disability parking violations, the court may mandate community service aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Fiscal Impact

The enactment of HB 134 is projected to result in a decrease in revenue for several state and local entities, with an estimated total loss of $485,000 annually across various funds, including:
- Probate Judges: $12,000
- State General Fund: $23,000
- Public Road and Bridge Fund: $313,000
- Municipalities: $91,000
- Counties: $30,000
- Administrative Office of the Courts: $8,000
- Alabama Department of Mental Health: $8,000

Conversely, local law enforcement agencies will see an increase in funding from the fines collected under this new distribution model.

Conclusion

House Bill 134 represents a significant shift in the management of fines related to motor vehicle violations, particularly those affecting individuals with disabilities. By reallocating funds to local law enforcement agencies, the bill aims to enhance their resources while also imposing stricter penalties for violations, thereby promoting compliance and awareness. The act will take effect on October 1, 2025, and will be subject to repeal three years thereafter.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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