An Update from the Legislature

The legislature reconvened this week following a spring break recess to complete legislative days 25, 26, and 27 of the 2026 regular session, leaving only three legislative days remaining.

Lawmakers’ primary focus this week was finalizing the state’s budgets. The House passed a $3.7 billion General Fund budget, while the Senate approved a $10.5 billion Education Trust Fund budget. Both budgets will now move through the final stages of the legislative process as they await concurrence.

The Senate passed HB475, legislation to reform the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC). The bill expands the PSC from three to seven members, with four additional members initially appointed by the governor. After a transition period, all seven commissioners are elected by congressional district every 6 years. This measure also establishes an Alabama Secretary of Energy, appointed by the governor, and places additional limits on electric rate increases. The legislation aims to increase public oversight and transparency in utility regulation.

The Senate also passed SB298 by Senator Will Barfoot, legislation that would allow the state to assume operational control of the Montgomery Police Department if the department does not increase its staffing levels over the next five years. The bill requires law enforcement agencies in Class 3 municipalities to maintain at least 1.9 full-time officers per 1,000 residents. The bill received a favorable report in the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

HB545 by Representative Norman Crow, relating to legal tender, received a favorable report from the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and now awaits further consideration by the full Senate.

HB568 passed the House and received a favorable report from the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee this week. This bill makes several updates to laws administered by the Alabama Department of Workforce, including changes related to fees, safety standards, and licensing requirements.

Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) legislation, HB517 — known as the TRAIN Act — also received a favorable report from the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee. The bill would create a tax credit for employers who loan qualified employees to teach CTE courses.

The House gave final passage to SB269 by Senator Bobby Singleton, which raises the reimbursement rates insurers must pay for ambulance services. The legislation now heads to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature.

The Senate also approved legislation to strengthen safety standards and emergency preparedness requirements for youth camps. The bill is named in honor of Alabamian Sarah Marsh, who tragically lost her life during the July 2025 Camp Mystic flood in Texas.

Additionally, the Senate passed legislation requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

The legislature is expected to return next week for a three-day work period to conclude the 2026 regular session.