AL HB103

State Department of Human Resources must develop and publish a model Youth Athlete Protection Policy by January 1, 2027, establishing standards for prohibited conduct, codes of conduct for coaches/parents/athletes, and mandatory reporting requirements.

Youth sports organizations and local governments offering youth sports must adopt a Youth Athlete Protection Policy meeting DHR's minimum standards and annually certify compliance with DHR; non-compliant entities are prohibited from providing youth sports.

All coaches, including volunteers, must complete criminal history background checks through the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency before employment and complete annual mandatory reporter training.

Coaches are disqualified from employment if convicted of felonies involving child abuse, sex offenses under Alabama law, or felony assault/sexual offenses against minors.

Youth sports organizations and local governments receive civil liability immunity for hiring decisions based on background checks, except where they knowingly relied on false information or acted with reckless disregard.