The 2025 legislative session officially began this week, with lawmakers returning to Montgomery to gavel in on Tuesday.
Senator Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) was sworn in as President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate, succeeding former Senator Greg Reed, who stepped down in December. Elected to the Senate in 2018, Gudger was selected by his peers to lead the upper chamber. A longstanding ally of BCA, Gudger brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to advancing the priorities that matter most to the business community.
In the annual State of the State address on Tuesday night, Governor Ivey outlined her key legislative priorities for the year. Among her top agenda items are public safety, parental leave, K-12 education, and reorganization of the Department of Veterans Affairs. BCA was honored to host the Governor ahead of her address, providing our members with an exclusive preview of her main objectives.
The House and Senate are prioritizing the issue of illegal immigration this session. On Wednesday, the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee advanced a series of bills aimed at addressing the issue. Lawmakers assert these measures will take a firm stance on illegal immigration. BCA is closely monitoring these developments to ensure that the business community is safeguarded and shielded from any unintended negative consequences.
On Monday, former Senator Greg Reed was sworn in as the first Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce. This follows the rebranding and restructuring of the Alabama Department of Labor as part of the Alabama Workforce Transformation Act, which was enacted through the Working for Alabama package last year. As Secretary, Reed will focus on strengthening Alabama’s workforce by developing a highly skilled, well-trained labor force and increasing the state’s labor force participation rate.
Ahead of the session, Alabama House Republicans and Democrats released their legislative policy agendas. The House Republicans are prioritizing initiatives to increase labor participation and reduce crime while opposing efforts to repeal election security laws. House Democrats are focusing on a variety of issues including reforms for criminal justice and health care.
Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats did not release their agendas ahead of the session.
We were excited to kick off the session with our annual Legislative Reception this week at the Alley Station in Montgomery. With over 400 in attendance, it was a great opportunity for lawmakers, public officials, BCA leaders, and members to connect and discuss the priorities for the year ahead. Thank you to everyone who attended and especially those who sponsored the event!
As bills begin to move through the legislative process, we’ll be closely monitoring any developments in both legislation and committee activity. Be sure to stay tuned for updates.
Next Tuesday morning, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth will join us to discuss his plans to support Alabama’s business climate. Join us at 9am on the first floor of the BCA office for an insightful conversation.
Bill: SB84
Sponsor: Sen. Arthur Orr
BCA Position: Monitor*
Status: Introduced
Additional Information: This bill would allow a nonprofit agricultural organization to provide health benefits to its members and their families. Under current law, all health plans are regulated under the Department of Insurance. This legislation would exempt this plan from all insurance laws and regulations without any oversight. The proposed bill explicitly authorizes a nonprofit agricultural organization to provide such benefits while maintaining that they are not in the business of health insurance.
Bill: SB93
Sponsor: Sen. Andrew Jones
BCA Position: Monitor*
Status: Introduced
Additional Information: This bill would prohibit pharmacy benefits managers from reimbursing a pharmacy less than the actual acquisition cost paid by the pharmacy and would prohibit pharmacy benefits managers from charging pharmacies or pharmacists miscellaneous fees related to network participation and claims processing.
Bill: SB99
Sponsor: Sen. Larry Stutts
BCA Position: Monitor*
Status: Introduced
Additional Information: This bill would expand oversight by the Department of Insurance by setting benchmarks for the amounts that pharmacy benefits managers reimburse pharmacies, and by regulating how they process claims, determine payment amounts, and use manufacturer rebates.
* BCA has concerns with these bills as introduced, as they could potentially lead to increased costs for employers and their employees.
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