Latest news with #ArthurOrr
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Local delegation reviews recent legislative session
Jun. 4—The Morgan County legislative delegation reviewed Tuesday morning the bills and the roughly $80 million in appropriations for local projects approved in the state Legislature's spring session that ended May 14. The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce sponsored this annual Legislative update breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront. As chairman of the Finance and Taxation Education committee, state Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said that after the difficult financial years of 2011 and 2012, the pendulum has swung back so that the state has "ample revenues." Orr said that allowed the state Legislature to make tax cuts and rebates in 2023 and then reduce the grocery tax by another penny this session to 2%. "If there is money we can send back to the people, I think this delegation and the Legislature are united on that front," Orr said. He said they still had record $3.7 bill General Fund and $10 billion Education budgets for fiscal 2026. Orr talked about the roughly $80 million local appropriation, which he said started his office but passed because the four House representatives in the Morgan County delegation. "If it weren't for these representatives defending and fighting for these projects, they would have been left on the cutting room floor," Orr said. Orr cited $9.5 million for the STEAM Imagination Center at the Cook Museum of Natural Science, $7.5 million for turning the Harris-Caddell Law Firm Building into a library for the Alabama Center for the Arts, $1.7 million for the Horton Legal Learning Center and more. Among the other projects to receive funding are $1 million for a Wheeler Wildlife Refuge trail along Alabama 67; $3.2 million for a culinary arts center as part of the Alabama Center for the Arts; $1 million to expand the Carnegie Visual Arts Center; $100,000 for repairs to the Old State Bank; and $1.4 million for the Somerville Courthouse. "I'm excited about the good things happening in this county because for far too long I don't think we saw a whole lot of help from Montgomery," Orr said. Orr added that he's working on getting a third bridge over the Tennessee River "and other things." House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, credited Orr and his leadership as budget chairman for bringing the money to Morgan County. "All the things he's talking about wouldn't on this list if he wasn't in the position where he's at," Stadthagen said. The delegation then talked about bills that passed and didn't pass. The legislature didn't extend the exempted hourly overtime earnings originally approved in 2023. Rep. Parker Moore, R-Hartselle, said they found other ways to replace this exemption "that was a lot more expensive and inclusive." They passed House Bill 388, which doubles the state's income tax exemption from $6,000 to $12,000 for individuals 65 years old or older who withdraw funds from a defined contribution retirement plan such as a 401(k) or Individual Retirement Account. The change takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026, at an estimated cost of $45 million. House Bill 389 also passed with a focus on tax relief for lower-income Alabamians. It raises the standard deduction from $2,500 to $3,000 for individuals and expands dependency exemptions beginning with the 2026 tax year. "We opened up avenues for retirees and low-income workers. What we tapped has more potential to help a broader range of people," Moore said. Moore said they cut the sales tax on groceries in half, with the ultimate goal of cutting to zero. "That's about $237 at minimum that people are saving on grocery tax, so that's a major impact," Moore said. Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, sponsored a rural hospital investment program that she said doesn't impact this area but should help health care in other areas of the state. Collins said this program would save hospitals like Lawrence County Medical Center, which closed in February before it could be eligible for the funds. "We're trying to give them a lifeline of something that worked in Georgia very successfully," she said. Stadthagen talked about the legislation that passed to help independent pharmacies, which he said are struggling to stay open. He said nearly 20 pharmacies shut down in the past year. The bill requires minimum reimbursement rates to community pharmacists. Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, said a cousin who owns four pharmacies explained the situation. He said this evens the playing field for independent pharmacies. "Basically, from a 20,000-foot view, you have business model where you're required to sign contracts with certain prices you can't talk about and you're required to operate at a loss," Yarbrough said. "So, this requires independent pharmacies not to operate at a loss because it's not sustainable." "It's not the total answer because we need the federal government to do its part, but I believe we, at the end of the day, did our part," Stadthagen said. Collins, chairwoman of the Education Policy Committee, said they passed a bill that bans cellphones from K-12 students in schools. There are exceptions for some students with special needs, cellphone use under the supervision of school staff and in life-threatening emergencies. "I think it's the best thing we can do for school safety," she said. Collins said several school resource officers told her that eliminating cellphone from school helps mental health by reducing issues like suicide, self-harm rates and bullying. Stadthagen said he was against this bill initially because of his 12-year-old daughter but police officers convinced him to change his vote. "They were concerned that cellphone could clog the phone lines with mixed messages during emergency," he said. Collins said Montgomery County banned cellphones two years ago and found that it worked. "After the first month where everybody had to adjust, their achievement and their student scores started increasing at a great rate, and their discipline problems started decreasing," Collins said. Orr said they put in place a new "student-based funding formula" for schools with a fund put in place several years ago that's now up to $1 billion. Previously, school funding was based on the number of students at a school. Now there's a "special pot" that funds the additional cost for educating a special needs child, an English language learner, a child in poverty and a gifted child, Orr said. "You'll see a lot more money going to Decatur City and Morgan County schools," Orr said. "You won't see as much on a percentage basis in Hartselle schools, but it will be more." Orr said there is an accountability factor in the approved bill that requires schools to show academic improvement or possibly lose this additional money in seven to 10 years. Another new law Orr sponsored requires that beginning in the 2026-27 school year, all students receive instruction in the success sequence: graduate from high school, get a job and get married before getting pregnant. The law required instruction on this sequence at least twice before students graduate from high school. Orr said 96% of people who follow this sequence in the first 10 years after high school are successful. He said schools will start with middle school students when they're young enough that they will listen to these lessons. "That's a 4% failure rate," Orr said. "And I worry about our state and our young people." Orr said he also sponsored an approved bill that allows a junior or senior in high school to start their credit production in college if admitted. "If they're ready to leave high school, let them go on," Orr said. "Obviously, they will get into the workforce sooner and not just hang out in high school waiting on the clock, waiting on their senior year." — or 256-340-2432
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local school systems prepare to implement cellphone ban
May 29—Area school systems are beginning to prepare for the implementation of a law that takes effect next school year that will ban students from possessing a cellphone during the school day. The FOCUS Act, which stands for Freeing our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety, became law in this year's recent legislative session and will ban students next school year from using, operating or possessing a wireless communications device in public K-12 schools during the instructional day. The law is subject to certain exceptions, such as students who need them in conjunction with a medical device. State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, voted for the law in the recently completed legislative session. "I support it, and the reason is I have heard from parents and numerous school teachers and administrators who very much wanted to get the phones out of the classroom," Orr said. "They were a huge distraction. They were causing unnecessary drama among the students and many were relieved to see them get banned." Limestone County Schools Superintendent Randy Shearouse said the current cellphone rules in his district are less restrictive than the state ban. Under the Limestone rules, which have been in place for two years, students can have cellphones in their possession but they cannot use them except after school hours, Shearouse said. "They could not have them out in class or out in the building or halls or anything like that unless a teacher allowed them to in class for some instructional exercise," he said. "That's kind of what we've been living by. Actually, our students have been very appreciative of that and have stated that more conversations were happening at lunch because everyone is not on their cellphones looking at them." Shearouse has heard some concerns about the ban from parents. "A lot of parents feel good about (students) having them on them in case an emergency happens," Shearouse said. Shearouse is awaiting clarification on exactly what the school will do with the phones during school hours, say for students who don't have cars or lockers. There is technology that allows students to lock down their phone while it is in their possession and only access it after hours, Shearouse said. "We were told we were going to get some clarification on the bill, so we are kind of waiting on that," he said. "The school board association is going to send something out soon explaining exactly what this requirement is. ... Then we will develop procedures and policies based on what those parameters are and what those guidelines are." Gov. Kay Ivey was a proponent of the ban. After signing the act, she said, "Smart phones have beneficial roles when used in proper settings. However, these often-disruptive devices have no place in our classrooms during the school day except for educational purposes or during an emergency." Morgan County Schools is preparing to implement the cellphone ban. "Our storage requirements will be students must turn off and store their devices off their person and in lockers, cars or similar storage locations during the instructional day," Superintendent Tracie Turrentine said. She said she would "provide further updates and guidance as the new school year and implementation date approaches." Decatur City Schools hasn't worked out a plan for complying with the FOCUS Act but will do so this summer, Deputy Superintendent Dwight Satterfield said. They, too, are waiting for clarification. The current rules at DCS allow students to have cellphones on their person but they can't have them out in class, he said. The FOCUS Act applies only to public schools, but private schools are also looking at how best to manage student cellphone use. "I think there is a big difference between managing and banning cellphones," said Robby Parker, head of school at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy. "Just saying you can't bring one is not realistic in the world we live in, so you manage it." Next school year they will be banned for Lindsay Lane's K-6 students. "For the little ones, we're going to say you can't bring a cellphone," Parker said, because he doesn't think they need them at that age. Students in grade 7-10, and possibly 11, will be allowed to bring their phones but they will surrender them to the first block teacher who will store them in a case, he said. After school they can have the phones back. In grades 12 and possibly 11 — they haven't decided how the rules will apply to 11th graders — students will be able to have cellphones but will turn them in at the beginning of each class and collect them at the end of each class. Parker said one reason the older students will be able to have their phones more is because the school wants the students to learn to use them properly. "We want them to have their phones because they are soon to be out in the world, and 11th and 12th graders are much more responsible. Some of them are in dual-enrollment classes. They may need to communicate with a college professor, and many of them work and they need to be able to communicate between classes with their employers," Parker said. He said there may be a class assignment where cellphones are needed. "In that case we will get them out and use them, but not every day," Parker said. The FOCUS Act also requires the State Department of Education to develop safe social media training for all students before eighth grade. "People say cellphones are the most dangerous thing a student can have, but I disagree with that," Parker said. "The most dangerous is their cars. We don't ban those, we manage them. Cellphones are the same." — or 256-340-2361
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day is more than a long weekend and barbecue
May 27—Emma Landrum of Priceville loves Memorial Day because it gives her a chance to remember fallen soldiers and service members. She has dedicated her young life to this cause — the Forgotten Heroes Project. She started when she was a Brownie Scout at age 8 or 9 and continues today as a senior Girl Scout at age 15. "When I was a little girl we went to Roselawn (Cemetery) for Graves Across America and I learned there were 10 unmarked graves. And it made me distraught. This was completely not OK. So, I went to Mom and Dad and said I need some help to do this." Using Christmas and birthday money and money making bracelets, she purchased the marble bases needed for nine bronze memorial plaques, which denote a soldier's grave, and one headstone honoring an Army nurse. For the latter, she received help from Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur. The 10 memorials cost $5,000. She credits her dad, an Air Force veteran who died of COVID-19 in 2021, with drilling into her the importance of remembering those who serve — police officers, veterans and others. She is working on getting more graves identified. "This is not because of my Girl Scout project, this is because of my heart," she said, vowing to continue her quest even after she leaves the Scouts. She spoke about the project during Monday's Memorial Day event at the American Legion Post 15 headquarters on U.S. 31. Dozens of people turned out for the event, which was scheduled to be held at Roselawn Funeral Home but was moved due to rain. The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Morgan County Tech JROTC. They later placed officer hats on six empty chairs to represent fallen soldiers from each branch of the military: Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. Donna Johnson, master sergeant (retired) U.S. Army, sang the national anthem and later "God Bless America." Scouting Troops 142 and 91 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Janine Jordan, first vice commander American Veterans Post 1955, draped a POW/MIA flag over a chair back to represent those who are prisoners of war or missing in action. Robert Baker recognized veterans of various branches of our armed forces. Tommy Perry, mayor pro tem of Priceville, recognized the officials at the ceremony. Roll call was held with the names of those soldiers who died this year, read aloud by Morgan County Circuit Court judges. Marsha King, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 15, recognized the Gold Star mothers, those who had lost a child to war or conflict, some of whom were present Monday. Major Gen. Frank J. Lozano of the U.S. Army, program executive officer, missiles and space at Redstone Arsenal, gave the keynote address. "Obviously Memorial Day is very important. You remember the service of the fallen ... how our lives are more enriched because of their sacrifice," he said. "As we come together, we remember today is Memorial Day, a day that carries solemn weight and deep significance. It is a day of commemoration, a day not just for barbecues and long weekends but for remembrance." He asked the audience to remember the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, where 7,000 lost their lives; the Normandy invasion of France by Allied troops; and the Gold Star families who lost loved ones. He said Gold Star families continue to inspire us. They show us that even in the midst of profound loss the spirit of their loved ones endure. "We must promise to remember them and live lives worthy of them ... . Men and women have died for this country so that we can vote, we can speak freely, we can worship as we choose, we can raise our families and we can pursue our dreams ... . Ask not only who we remember on Memorial Day, but how." — or 256-340-2361
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Expand their backgrounds, their horizons, and their skill sets': STEAM Imagination Center opens in Decatur
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — A new opportunity for higher education is opening its doors to students, offering classes in science, technology, engineering, fine arts, and math, or 'STEAM.' The new STEAM Imagination Center in Decatur is a partnership between the Alabama Center for the Arts, Calhoun Community College, and Athens State University. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q brings home 13th first place title after Memphis in May competition 'We want to be able to provide employment for all our students,' said Senator Arthur Orr, who sponsored the bill that provided funding for the Center. 'This will give them an added dimension as they learn technology, computers, how to do art on computers, and, they can take that out into the workforce, get a good paying job and have a successful career.' The STEAM Imagination Center will host several new programs and provide workspace for existing classes, including 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, and filmmaking. Kimberly Parker, who serves as the executive director of the Alabama Center of the Arts and the dean of Fine Arts at Calhoun, said exposure to math, science and fine arts will help students down the road. 'We find that students learn as much from each other as they do from their instructors,' she said. 'We're hoping that the mix of different types of students will sort of start conversations that give them a chance to expand their backgrounds, their horizons, and their skill sets.' The center will host its first semester of classes next week. Admission is also open to high school students with dual enrollment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What passed in the Alabama Legislature: May 6-7, 2025
Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, receives a standing ovation from senators on May 6, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama, after the chamber passed a bill she sponsored to regulate electronic vapor products. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector) Here are the bills that passed the Alabama Legislature this week. House SB 211, sponsored by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, requires local school superintendents or their designees to serve as the primary liaison with law enforcement for school bus safety incidents. The bill passed 94-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 280, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, requires the Alabama State Department of Education to develop a unified digital platform and data-sharing system to consolidate and streamline documentation requirements for the Alabama Literacy Act and Alabama Numeracy Act. The bill passed 101-0 with a House substitute and floor amendment. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. SB 241, sponsored by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Riverside, establishes the Alabama Criminal Enterprise Database, managed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), to track and report on organized criminal activity statewide. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 196, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, creates the Move on When Ready program for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit before they graduate high school. The bill passed 100-2 with a House substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. SB 253, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, places the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board under the jurisdiction of the Board of Nursing until Oct. 1, 2026. The bill passed 100-0. It goes to Ivey. SB 233, sponsored by Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay, revises the composition of the Alabama Ad Valorem Advisory Committee by expanding its membership to include additional local officials and taxpayers. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 289, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, requires public schools to teach a 'success sequence' twice before graduation in order to prevent poverty after high school. The bill passed 92-0. It goes to Ivey SB 177, sponsored by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, renames the Alabama Film Office the Alabama Entertainment Office; expands the Entertainment Industry Incentive Act to include music albums as qualified productions, increases the annual cap on incentive and allows unspent incentives to be carried forward to the next fiscal year. The bill passed 101-0 with a House substitute. The Senate later concurred 34-0 to House changes. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 317, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, restructures the Alabama Innovation Corporation's board by instituting staggered two-year terms for at-large directors appointed by the governor. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 321, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, amends the Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund by reducing its required minimum balance from $1 million to $250,000 and removing the mandate for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. The bill passed 101-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 5, sponsored by Sen. Chris Elliot, R-Josephine, restructures the board of trustees for the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The bill passed 74-29 with a House amendment. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. SB 123, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, requires the Alabama Justice Information Commission to annually report detailed data on civil asset seizures and forfeiture. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 271, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, prohibits municipalities from increasing franchise fees, charges, or taxes on natural or manufactured gas utilities after Dec. 31. The bill passed 84-1. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 316, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, establishes an 'Educational Tourism Distillery' license under the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, permitting qualifying distilleries to produce and sell liquor, wine, and beer on-site for both on-premises and off-premises consumption. The bill passed 84-1. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 53, sponsored by Sen. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, creates the crime of human smuggling as a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The bill passed 80-18 with a House substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. SB 63, sponsored by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, allows state law enforcement to collect DNA from those suspected of being in the country without legal status to be processed at the state level. The bill passed 76-7. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 320, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, requires public works contracting awarding authorities to publish advertisements for sealed bids in local newspapers and on a centralized state website. The House concurred with Senate changes 101-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 310, sponsored by Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, reforms the process for filling vacancies on the Jefferson County Commission. The House concurred with an executive amendment 96-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 445, sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for consumable hemp products. The House concurred with Senate changes 60-27. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. Senate SB 216, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, allows fire medics who retired to return to duty without having their retirement allowances suspended and caps their salaries at $52,000 per year. The Senate concurred 28-0 with House changes. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 280, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, requires the Alabama Department of Education develop a digital platform and a system to share data that consolidates documents required for the Alabama Literacy Act, Alabama Numeracy Act and individualized education programs. The Senate concurred 27-0 with House changes. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 304, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would create the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank, as a division of the State Industrial Development Authority, to select and assist in the financing of energy infrastructure projects. The Senate concurred 28-0 with House changes. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 313, sponsored by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, authorizes the transfer of funds from the Alabama 21st Century Fund for various economic development initiatives, like the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank. The Senate concurred 28-0 with House changes. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 307, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, authorizes the chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court to appoint visiting judges for specific violent criminal cases. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to Gov Kay ivey. HB 84, sponsored by Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, updates procedures for licensing and renewing licensing for chiropractors. The bill passed 33-0. The House later concurred with Senate changes 101-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 25, sponsored by Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, allows local 911 districts to collaborate to carry out their powers and services. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 407, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews, authorizes local redevelopment authorities to accept transient occupancy taxes as payments in lieu of taxes. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey.. HB 152, sponsored by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, exempts baby formula, maternity clothing and menstrual hygiene products from the state sales tax. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay IVey. HB 333, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, allows law enforcement to build indoor firing ranges for training. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 94, sponsored by Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, expands the definition of a Class B felony in second-degree human trafficking to include online or print advertising of sexual labor. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 95, sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville, requires that when a residential property with an HVAC system is sold, the manufacturer's warranty on the system automatically transfers to the new owner, without any transfer fee, as long as the warranty is still valid. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 281, sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa, revises the appeals process for municipal zoning board decisions by setting deadlines for filing appeals, requiring boards to submit records to the court and establishing criteria for staying decisions during appeals. The bill passed 34-0. The House later concurred with Senate changes 102-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 134, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, would allow fees and fines collected from vehicles parked without a license plate to go to the employing agency of the officer issuing the ticket. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov, Kay Ivey. HB 158, sponsored by Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, established a procedure for cost of living adjustments for retired teachers and state employees through the Education Trust Fund and General Fund appropriations. The bill passed 34-0. It goes back to the House for concurrence with Senate changes or a conference committee. HB 225, sponsored by Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, updates terminology and requirements related to the training, qualifications, and licensure of real estate companies, brokers, and salespersons. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 382, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, updates real estate regulations, including clarifying requirements for brokerage agreements, consumer disclosures, licensee duties and the operation of real estate teams. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 52, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, allows contributions to the Alabama Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings account to remain tax deductible through December 31, 2030. The bill passed 34-0. It goes back to the House for concurrence with Senate changes or a conference committee. HB 335, sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, would allow a county or municipality to charge a residential building permit fee. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 338 , sponsored by Rep. Parker Moore, R-Hartselle, expands the exceptions for key duplication services that do not fall under the definition of a locksmith. The bill passed 34-0. The House concurred with Senate changes 100-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 266, sponsored by Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, creates a non-traditional high school diploma program for dropouts. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 263, sponsored by Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, revises the distribution of 911 service revenues by allocating funds to support a statewide 911 voice and data system; providing training for public safety telecommunicators; offering advisory services and granting financial assistance to districts. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 38, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, gives prosecuting attorneys immunity when they give legal advice to police. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 163, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, allows research companies to deduct research expenses in the year they spend it, instead of waiting five years. The bill passed 34-0. It goes back to the House for concurrence with Senate changes or a conference committee. HB 366, sponsored by Rep. Rick Rehm, R-Dothan, authorizes emergency medical services personnel to provide care and transport injured police dogs to veterinary facilities, granting them immunity from civil or criminal liability for care provided in good faith. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 379, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, introduces a tax exemption for nonresidents who work in Alabama for 30 days or fewer within a calendar year. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 86, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, establishes the Rural Hospital Investment Program, offering tax credits to individuals and entities that donate to qualifying rural hospitals. The bill passed 34-0. The House concurred with Senate changes 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 196, sponsored by Rep. Margie Wilcox, R-Mobile, allows a county commission to assume control of a county juvenile detention center after an order from a juvenile judge of the county. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 43, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, requires offenders sentenced to 20 to 30 years in prison for a Class A, B or C felony to serve a minimum of 10 years in prison, 'jail-type institution or treatment institution' and the rest of their sentence through probation. The bill passed 33-1. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 441, sponsored by Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, establishes minimum educational and clinical requirements for speech-language pathology assistants. The bill passed 34-0. The House concurred with Senate changes 101-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 386, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, reduces the state's sales tax on groceries from 3% to 2%. The bill passed 34-0. The House concurred with Senate changes 102-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 353, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, adjusts the salary structure for judges and district attorneys to reflect cost-of-living adjustments, modifies salary increases for district attorneys and removes restrictions on salary changes for district attorneys in certain circumstances. The bill passed 34-0. The House later concurred with Senate changes 102-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 354, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, is a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would outlaw salary cuts for district attorneys during their terms of office. The bill passed 29-1 and will be considered by voters in the May 2026 statewide primary election. HB 542, sponsored by Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, expands retirement benefits for full-time district attorneys, prosecutors, and attorneys employed by the Office of Prosecution Services. The bill passed 31-1. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 288, sponsored by Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Indian Springs, establishes a loan assistance program under the Alabama Commission on Higher Education for licensed athletic trainers, offering financial support to those working at qualifying institutions in exchange for providing athletic training services, with eligibility based on federal student loan debt and employment criteria. The bill passed 33-0. The House concurred with Senate changes 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 529, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, authorizes the state to impose a $0.10 tax on vapor products, and sets a $150 price for retailers to purchase an initial permit to sell such products. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 600, sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Almond, would exempt the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation from paying all state, county, and municipal sales and use taxes. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 157, sponsored by Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, sets the base pay for elected and appointed local officials at the same level as their predecessors' base pay. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 194 , sponsored by Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, requires the Joint Committee of the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Nursing for Advanced Practice Nurses to have two members that are nurse practitioners and one member who is a certified midwife. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 346, sponsored by Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, removes 100-hour practice requirement for certification of retired physicians who volunteer in hospitals. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 147, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Greenhill, places bids and purchases by volunteer fire stations under local competitive bid law requirements. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 196, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would establish a program allowing eligible 11th and 12th-grade students to enroll full-time at an eligible public institution of higher education and receive high school credit for the coursework. The Senate concurred 34-0 with House changes. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 8, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, enhances regulation of tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems. The bill passed 28-5. The House later concurred with Senate changes 52-43. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 310, sponsored by Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, authorizes the Jefferson County Commission to set the dates for an election whenever a vacancy occurs. The House and Senate concurred to an executive amendment from Gov. Kay Ivey, who signed the bill on Wednesday. HB 445, sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, authorizes the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to regulate the consumable hemp market. The bill passed 19-13, and the House concurred 60-27 to Senate changes. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. House SB 287, sponsored by Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, establishes new qualifications and training requirements for the sheriff of Barbour County. The bill passed 30-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 308, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, enhances the responsibilities of the Lee County engineer by granting authority over the construction, maintenance, and repair of county roads, highways and bridges. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 338, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, redefines the corporate boundaries of the city of New Hope in Madison County. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 339, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, establishes a structured salary framework for the Madison County Sheriff, setting an initial salary of $170,000 per year for newly elected sheriffs, with a 7.5% salary increase after each successive four-year term. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 345, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, eliminates the statutory provision that sets the compensation for the Geneva County Superintendent. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 206, sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Ino, establishes regulations for businesses advising or assisting individuals with veterans' benefits claims. The bill passed 103-0 with a House substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. SB 43, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, prohibits health insurers and other contracting entities from restricting or penalizing health care providers and pharmacists for disclosing information to patients about the cost, availability, or alternatives of treatments or medications. The bill passed 103-0 with a House substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. SB 42, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, allows adjacent landowners to petition state, county, or municipal governing bodies to deed back abandoned state roads to the original landowners when the road is no longer usable for its intended purpose. The bill passed 94-3 with a House substitute and floor amendment. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or a conference committee. SB 244, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, establishes the crime of 'aggravated theft of employee retirement benefits,' making it a Class C felony to embezzle or unlawfully convert funds intended for employee retirement plans, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 108, sponsored by Sen. April Weaver, R-Alabaster, criminalizes mail theft, establishing penalties based on the number of addresses affected and the intent to commit identity fraud, with offenses ranging from a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail; to a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. It passed 103-0 with a House substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or a conference committee. SB 171, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, prohibits individuals from operating motor vehicles on land submerged below navigable waters, classifying violations as Class C misdemeanors, punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine. The bill passed 103-0 with a House substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or a conference committee. SB 57, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, permits officers of limited liability companies (LLCs) who hold no more than 1% of the company's stock to take acknowledgments and proof of conveyances for that LLC. The bill passed 100-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 76, sponsored by Sen. April Weaver, R-Alabaster, allows nursing mothers to be exempt from jury duty. The bill passed 101-0 with a House substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or a conference committee. SB 142, sponsored by Sen. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, removes the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) as an approved source for identifying voters whose addresses may have changed, requiring the use of the United States Postal Service's National Change of Address database and at least one other voter registration database. The bill passed 86-10 with a House substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or a conference committee. SB 236, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, reforms the governance of regional mental health authority boards. The bill passed 99-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 88, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, refines the expungement process by requiring a hearing if the prosecuting authority or victim objects, setting a 14-day minimum notice for hearings, applying the Alabama Rules of Evidence, and permitting appeals only upon showing an abuse of discretion. The bill passed 102-1 with a House substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. SB 158, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, prohibits the use of foreign national IDs in Alabama elections. The bill passed 82-13. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 62, sponsored by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, adjusts the validity of hunting and fishing licenses, specifies them as non-government-issued IDs. The bill passed 98-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 101, sponsored by Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscambia, raised the medical age of consent from 14 to 16 with some exceptions. The bill passed 85-0 with a House substitute and floor amendment. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. Senate SB 5, sponsored by Sen. Chris Elliot, R-Josephine, would remove the Alabama Department of Archives & History Board of Trustees' authority to self-appoint and give the governor appointing authority for most seats, including members from each congressional district. The Senate voted to non-concur with House changes, and the bill went to conference committee. HB 365, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, establishes the Alabama Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council within the Department of Workforce to advise on improving STEM education, career awareness and workforce development. The bill passed 34-0. The House concurred with Senate changes 99-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 543, sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollingers Island, increases the market value threshold for tangible personal property exempt from state ad valorem taxation from $40,000 to $100,000. The bill passed 34-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 357, sponsored by Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, defines the terms 'cigarette' and 'heated tobacco product,' and authorizes the state to impose a 33.75 mill tax on each cigarette and $0.017 tax on each heated tobacco product. The bill passed 24-6. The House later concurred with Senate changes 88-8. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 164, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, would raise the threshold for small estates for surviving spouses from $25,000 to $47,000. The bill passed House later concurred with Senate changes 102-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, requires local school boards to adopt a policy banning cell phones from bell-to-bell. The bill passed 30-2. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 165, sponsored by Rep. Rick Rehm, R-Matthews, adds Juneteenth as a state holiday. The bill passed 13-5. Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill on Thursday. HB 506, sponsored by Rep. Joe Lovvorn, R-Auburn, allows law enforcement and emergency agencies to designate publicly owned off-road vehicles as authorized emergency vehicles. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 505, sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville, extends the deadline for taxpayers to appeal final tax assessments to the Alabama Tax Tribunal or circuit court from 30 to 60 days. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 528, sponsored by Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R-Foley, extends the prohibition of unconscionable pricing during a declared state of emergency to include the provision of services, in addition to the sale or rental of commodities and facilities. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 90, sponsored by Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, creates municipal housing authorities and authorizes them to manage housing projects and community facilities, enter business contracts and make loans, as well as the power to review and award contracts. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 91, sponsored by Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, expands the scope of housing authorities to manage housing projects and community facilities, to enter into business contracts, make loans, as well as the power to review and award contracts. The bill passed 28-0. The House later concurred with Senate changes 93-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 493, sponsored by Rep. Corley Ellis, R-Columbiana, allows a child advocacy center to be certified as a full member of the Alabama Network of Children's Advocacy Centers if the center meets the standards in state statute. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 384, sponsored by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, defines corn masa and requires corn masa products sold in Alabama to be enriched with folic acid. The bill passed 29-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 509, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Sorrells, R-Hartford, prohibits Alabama state agencies from killing, testing or restricting the transfer of game breeder-owned cervids, like deer, due to disease except in specific cases. The bill passed 30-0. The House concurred with Senate changes 102-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 137, sponsored by Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, would allow the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to have a language interpreter to monitor wiretapping. The bill passed 30-0. The House later concurred with Senate changes 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 207, sponsored by Rep. Mike Shaw, R-Hoover, expands the role of the Office of Information Technology in Alabama by adding cybersecurity and other tasks related to data management and telecommunications. The bill passed 30-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 148, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Greenhill, ensures that vehicles registered in other states comply with the insurance requirements of their home state. The bill passed 30-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 1, sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollingers Island, amends Alabama's seafood dealer licensure requirements; increases fees, sets penalties for violations and designates a portion of proceeds to promote Alabama's seafood products. The bill passed 30-0. The House later concurred with Senate changes 102-1. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 352, sponsored by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, increases the assessment levy on the sale of cotton bales from $1 to $1.30 per bale. The bill passed 31-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 45, sponsored by Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, requires the Alabama Medicaid Agency to cover any noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test assigned a grade A or B under the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The bill passed 31-0. The House later concurred with Senate changes 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 416, sponsored by Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, requires all schools to place automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) at all athletic venues and events on school property. The bill passed 31-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 372, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews, authorizes Elmore County officials to levy a rental tax, effective Sept. 1. The bill passed 21-0. The House concurred with Senate changes 90-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 433, sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, revises the distribution of Talladega County's special sales and use tax revenues, allocating funds to various sectors. The bill passed 22-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 464, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Dadeville, adjusts the compensation of the St. Clair County coroner including a base salary increase and additional expense allowances. The bill passed 22-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 468, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, establishes the Marion County Service of Process Fund and requires the collection of a $50 service fee per case for personal service of process by the sheriff in both criminal and civil divisions. The bill passed 22-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 500, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, revises the compensation structure for the Lawrence County Sheriff by adding an annual expense allowance of $95,000 effective Oct. 1 and setting a $95,000 salary for the sheriff effective in January. The bill passed 22-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
