l-r Faulkner Law Dean Charles Campbell, Vallee Connor, Speaker Pro Tem Chris Pringle, Governor Kay Ivey, Senator Jabo Waggoner, Faulkner President Mitch Henry, and John Craft. Governor Kay Ivey signs legislation, HB 96 on May 6, 2026.
New legislation signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey is expected to provide stronger protections for elderly and disabled Alabamians facing financial hardship and possible foreclosure during bankruptcy proceedings.
At the center of the effort is Faulkner Law alumna Vallee Connor, an attorney in Mobile whose work helped champion changes to Alabama’s homestead exemption laws aimed at protecting vulnerable homeowners.
The legislation, HB 96 sponsored by Speaker Pro Tem Chris Pringle and Senator Jabo Waggoner, increases the homestead exemption available for people aged 62 and older and for people with disabilities. It is designed to help prevent them from losing their homes through foreclosure while navigating bankruptcy – a much-needed relief for many Alabamians living on fixed incomes who are struggling financially. The new state exemption raises the homestead exemption from $18,800, which is for all individual debtors, to $56,400 for seniors and those with disabilities. It takes effect on June 1.
In Connor’s law practice, she met many senior debtors who filed for bankruptcy, and she saw a need to help protect more of the equity in their homes. Connor contacted Speaker Pro Tem Chris Pringle from Mobile and proposed the legislation. He agreed to sponsor it, and Connor worked with the Legislative Services Agency to draft the bill. Faulkner Law Dean Charles Campbell and Faulkner President Mitch Henry also assisted.
Connor’s work on the issue reflects a longstanding commitment to service that leaders at Faulkner University say is deeply connected to the mission and culture of the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
“This is exactly the kind of service-oriented leadership we hope to instill in our students,” said Campbell. “Our graduates are using their legal education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Faulkner Law has a history of emphasizing advocacy and service through programs such as the Elder Law Clinic, led by John Craft, where students serve senior clients with many legal needs: wills and trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, property and financial needs, and government benefits. This clinic provides students opportunities to work directly with elderly and disabled individuals while gaining practical legal experience.
Connor’s role in advancing the legislation demonstrates the lasting impact Faulkner Law graduates can have in their communities.
