Alabama House passes bill to report parents whose kids smell of marijuana

OG article by Jessica Umbro

February 2, 2026

The Alabama House passed House Bill 72, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Sellers (D-Pleasant Grove), prohibiting smoking or vaping marijuana in vehicles with anyone under 19 present. It requires mandatory reporters like teachers to notify the Department of Human Resources if a child smells of marijuana. Violations are Class A misdemeanors, with up to one year in jail and mandatory education on marijuana exposure risks. Sellers stressed protecting children from secondhand smoke. Opposition, including from Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham), cited sufficient existing laws and risks of racial profiling. The vote saw bipartisan support but Democratic divisions. The bill moves to the Senate and, if signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, takes effect October 1.