David L. Faulkner

Action: Faulkner sponsored the 2019 law requiring public schools to offer computer science instruction. His 2026 bill, HB329, also became law. Beginning with the graduating class of 2032, public-school students must complete an approved computer science course or a course with approved computer science content.

Who may be affected: Students may have different course choices, while schools must plan for qualified teachers and approved lessons. The new requirement does not increase the total number of credits needed to graduate. Qualifying courses can count toward an existing subject or elective, under the law's rules.

Supporters say: Faulkner says computer science helps prepare students for college and work in a world that depends on technology. The 2019 law also supported teacher training.

Critics say: During debate on his earlier 2025 graduation proposal, Rep. Mary Moore questioned whether schools had enough teachers. Rep. Laura Hall raised questions about how artificial intelligence would fit into lessons. Those concerns were about the earlier proposal; the 2026 law lets students meet the requirement through approved courses with computer science built in.

Governor's office: 2019 law and teacher training
Final law text: HB329
HB329: sponsor and enactment record
Alabama Reflector: debate on the earlier 2025 proposal

Action: Faulkner sponsored HB381, the Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act. It became law in 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, covered overnight camps must obtain an emergency preparedness license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.

Who may be affected: Campers, parents, camp staff, and local emergency responders may be affected. The law requires emergency and evacuation plans, staff training, weather radios, and warning systems that work without the Internet. Parents can request a summary of a camp's emergency plan.

Supporters say: Faulkner, Gov. Kay Ivey, and Sarah Marsh's parents say enforceable safety rules can help camps prepare for emergencies. The law followed the death of the Mountain Brook child during flooding at a Texas camp. The House vote was unanimous.

Details: The law covers overnight camps for children age 16 or younger, with exclusions such as certain hunting or fishing sites and college dormitory stays. Camp operators must meet licensing, equipment, and inspection requirements. New or expanded cabins in floodplains face restrictions; some existing cabins may remain if they meet the law's conditions.

Final law text: HB381
Governor's office: signing, requirements, and start date
Alabama Reflector: House vote and family's comments

Action: Faulkner helped advance the 2023 change to Alabama's alcohol-liability law. Sen. Chris Elliott sponsored the enacted bill, SB104. It changed what an injured person must prove when suing a business that served alcohol to someone who caused harm.

Who may be affected: People injured by an intoxicated person, their families, bars, restaurants, retailers, and insurers may be affected. A claim requires proof that alcohol was knowingly served unlawfully to a visibly intoxicated person and that the service caused the injury. "Knowingly" includes what a server knew or should have known.

Supporters say: The Alabama Retail Association supported the change to make liability insurance more available and affordable for businesses serving alcohol. Both chambers passed the bill unanimously.

Critics say: Injury attorney Josh Wright argued that the new wording adds hurdles for injured people. His analysis also says negotiated changes preserved important ways for victims to prove a claim and limited the impact of the changes.

Final law text: SB104
Alabama Retail Association: Faulkner's role and supporters' argument
Injury attorney Josh Wright: criticism and negotiated changes

Action: Faulkner sponsored HB192, which became law and took effect October 1, 2026. If a defendant hides, alters, destroys, or disposes of the weapon used in an alleged offense, the law starts with an assumption that the use of force was not justified. The defendant can challenge that assumption.

Who may be affected: People claiming self-defense, crime victims, investigators, and courts may be affected by how evidence is preserved and evaluated. Giving the unaltered weapon to law enforcement after reaching safety, without undue delay, is an exception.

Supporters say: Faulkner said district attorneys brought the issue to him. He said the bill still lets a defendant explain what happened, such as a weapon being knocked overboard from a boat. The House passed the bill unanimously.

Critics say: During House debate, Rep. Mark Gidley questioned whether the proposal would make self-defense harder to prove. The final law allows the defendant to challenge the assumption rather than automatically losing the defense.

Final law text: HB192
HB192: enactment record
Alabama Reflector: explanation, concerns, and House vote