An Update from the Legislature

The Alabama Legislature adjourned sine die on Thursday, bringing the 2026 regular session to a close.

Both chambers reached final agreement on the state’s two budgets. The Education Trust Fund and General Fund budgets passed with concurrence from the House and Senate and were sent to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature.

Two priority measures from Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter focused on expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) also received final passage. HB517 and HB520 aim to strengthen the CTE workforce pipeline by creating a tax credit for employers who loan qualified employees to teach CTE courses and establishing an expedited certification pathway for professionals seeking to teach CTE courses in Alabama public high schools.

Legislation sponsored by Representative James Lomax to establish a state tax deduction on a portion of overtime wages was concurred on and sent to Governor Ivey. The bill allows qualified individuals to deduct up to $1,000 in overtime income from their state taxes annually. This measure will expire in 2028.

Several high-profile bills did not make it across the finish line before adjournment. Legislation that would have required voters to be registered with a political party to participate in primary elections failed to pass the Senate before the session ended. Additionally, SB354 by Senator Greg Albritton, which would have imposed a one-year moratorium on new solar farm facilities, did not make it out of the Senate.

One notable bill that did pass was “Beau’s Law,” sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, which was sent to the governor for consideration. The measure establishes minimum care standards for dogs kept outdoors, including requirements for adequate food and water and new restrictions on tethering.

Lawmakers also approved SB57, sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr, which would prohibit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase candy, soft drinks, and energy drinks. The bill passed the House this week and received final approval through a conference committee on Thursday.

Additionally, Governor Ivey signed HB2, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” for all official state purposes. The new law takes effect on October 1 and requires all state and local government agencies to use the new name when conducting official business.

With the session now concluded, lawmakers are returning to their districts and shifting their focus to the May 19, 2026, primary election.

The BCA team is currently working on a comprehensive recap of the 2026 session. Stay tuned for more updates.