AL HB273

Municipal first responders may receive community development block grant funds that pass through the municipal treasury, creating an exception to existing conflict-of-interest rules for municipal employees

First responders qualify for the exception only if their benefit is similar to other grant recipients and they have no decision-making role in determining grant eligibility

Public officials (as defined in Section 36-25-1) and their family members are explicitly excluded from this exception

Violations remain a misdemeanor punishable by fines of $50 to $1,000 and up to six months of hard labor

Effective date: October 1, 2026