The legislature completed days 23 and 24 of the 2026 regular session.
A proposal to reduce taxes on overtime earnings for Alabama workers advanced this week, passing the House Education Budget Committee. HB527, sponsored by Representative James Lomax, would allow individuals to deduct up to $1,000 in overtime income from their state taxes each year.
Lawmakers introduced legislation in both chambers to establish a one-year moratorium on new solar energy developments in the state. Senator Greg Albritton’s SB354 and its companion, Representative Matt Simpson’s HB617, would prohibit the development of any solar power facility not currently operating or under construction for one year. The bills would also expand county authority over the development of these facilities. The Senate carried over SB354 on the floor. Senator Larry Stutts also introduced similar legislation, SB372, which proposes a one-year prohibition on the construction or operation of new solar power facilities, with certain exceptions included.
The House passed several initiatives this week. HB475 by Representative Mack Butler relates to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and would require the commission to hold formal rate hearings at least once every three years. HB541 by Representative Ernie Yarbrough would establish a closed primary election system in Alabama by allowing voters to designate a political party affiliation when registering and limiting primary election participation to voters affiliated with that party; unaffiliated voters would not be eligible to vote in primary elections. HB545 by Representative Norman Crow would authorize the rounding of the total amount of any in-person cash transaction to the nearest five cents. A companion bill, SB365, is being carried in the Senate by Senator Jay Hovey.
The legislature will observe a spring break next week and will return to Montgomery on Tuesday, March 31.
Our final Tuesday Morning Issues Briefing of the session concluded on a strong note as we welcomed Alabama House Majority Leader Representative Paul Lee and Senate Majority Leader Senator Steve Livingston for a timely discussion during the final eight legislative days. Drawing on their years of experience and long-standing working relationship, they highlighted key legislative priorities and offered valuable insight into what effective coordination between the House and Senate looks like in practice—emphasizing the critical role of communication, collaboration, and strong relationships in delivering results for Alabama. We are grateful to all of our speakers and attendees who made this year’s briefing series such a success, and we look forward to continuing the conversation next year.
Capitol Briefing An Update from the Legislature The legislature concluded a three-day workweek, completing day 22 of the 2026 legislative session. This week, both state budgets advanced through the legislative
Capitol Briefing An Update from the Legislature With just 10 legislative days remaining in the 2026 Regular Session, lawmakers continue to advance key measures as the clock begins to
Capitol Briefing An Update from the Legislature The Alabama Legislature has completed days 15, 16, and 17 of the calendar, officially surpassing the halfway point of the 2026 legislative
