Rodger Smitherman

Action: Smitherman sponsored SB 364, enacted April 17, 2026. Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, it requires public-school students to complete instruction in violence prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation before high-school graduation, with instruction beginning in sixth grade.

Who is affected: Students would learn ways to handle disputes without violence. Schools and teachers must fit the instruction into their programs, with standards from the State Board of Education and materials and training support from the State Department of Education. A required course is not a guarantee that school violence will decrease.

Supporters say: Smitherman has argued that students need practical ways to handle disagreements instead of resorting to fighting or weapons.

Concerns raised: During consideration of his earlier 2025 proposal, Rep. Alan Baker supported the goal but warned about adding more responsibilities to teachers. That concern relates to classroom time and staffing, not opposition to teaching conflict resolution.

Official SB 364 enrolled text
2026 bill status and summary
Alabama Reflector on the earlier 2025 proposal and classroom concerns

Proposal, not law: Smitherman introduced SB 244 in 2026 to raise the mortgage recording tax from 15 cents to 30 cents per $100 of secured debt and direct a portion of the revenue to the Alabama Housing Trust Fund. It did not become law; the tracker lists its last action as referral to committee, and October reporting says the proposal received no serious consideration.

Why it matters: The fund is intended to create and preserve housing for lower-income households. The proposal would also increase the tax paid when mortgages are recorded. For a mortgage securing $100,000, the stated rate change would raise that tax from $150 to $300, before any other fees or applicable exceptions.

Supporters say: Birmingham's mayor's office supported the proposal, arguing that a reliable funding source would help developers and nonprofits build and preserve affordable housing.

Cost concern: The bill would also increase the tax paid when a mortgage is recorded, adding to the cost of financing property.

Official SB 244 introduced text
Bill summary and last recorded action
Alabama Reflector on housing needs and the unsuccessful funding proposal
Birmingham mayor's office: support for housing-fund legislation

Action: Smitherman sponsored SB 59, the Personal Privacy Protection Act, signed into law May 9, 2023. It restricts public agencies from collecting or disclosing information identifying people as nonprofit members, volunteers, or donors, subject to exceptions. It does not remove disclosure requirements under campaign-finance law.

Who is affected: People supporting charities, advocacy groups, and other nonprofits gain limits on government disclosure of their affiliations. Public agencies also need to follow the exceptions when information is required for lawful oversight.

Supporters say: Smitherman said the goal was to keep personal information from being shared unnecessarily. People United for Privacy, which supported the law, connects it to freedom of association and protection from retaliation.

Concerns raised: During debate, Sen. Sam Givhan questioned the breadth of the language, and the Forestry Commission raised concerns about maintaining volunteer-firefighter rosters. Amendments addressed exceptions, including certain university and healthcare authorities.

Official SB 59 enrolled text
Alabama Political Reporter on the proposal, concerns, and amendments
People United for Privacy on passage and signing (supporter perspective)