The bill appropriates a total of $36,616,436 from the Children First Trust Fund for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, to various entities as outlined in Section 41-15B-2.2 of the Code of Alabama 1975. This funding is designated for specific agencies, including the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Department of Public Health, among others. Additionally, the bill mandates that all tobacco settlement revenues designated for the Children First Trust Fund be deposited within 30 days of receipt and requires the Director of Finance to notify agencies of their anticipated allocations. Allocations are contingent upon the availability of tobacco revenues, and any remaining funds at the end of the fiscal year will not revert to the State General Fund.

Furthermore, the bill includes a conditional appropriation of $44,177,773 from other tobacco settlement funds for the same fiscal year, with allocations directed to various departments, including the Alabama Medicaid Agency and the Department of Early Childhood Education. It also stipulates that a portion of the Children First Trust Fund receipts currently allocated for the State Board of Education will be transferred to the State General Fund during the fiscal year. The Secretary of the Department of Early Childhood Education is tasked with overseeing the investment plans for the appropriated funds, ensuring accountability and effectiveness in meeting the needs of children. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-15B-2, 41-15B-2
Enrolled: 41-15B-2