2025 Alabama Legislative Update: Regular Session - Week One

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Senator Gudger Officially Elected Senate Pro Tempore

This week, Garlan Gudger was sworn in as the new President Pro Tempore of the Alabama State Senate. Pro Tempore Gudger, a Republican from Cullman, was elected unanimously by the full Senate after previously being elected by the Senate Republican Caucus to serve in this role. In an acceptance speech, he emphasized his commitment to teamwork. 

Immigration Package

Immigration legislation will be a priority during this year’s legislative session, according to both Speaker Ledbetter and Pro Tempore Gudger.  Expect to see the legislature unveil a full immigration package as early as next week in a press conference. 

While other yet-to-be-filed pieces of legislation will be included in the full immigration package, several pieces of legislation related to immigration have already been filed by various sponsors, including but not limited to legislation concerning:

• Concealing and smuggling illegal aliens.
• Human trafficking.
• An international wire transfer tax of $7.50 plus 1.5% of the amount exceeding $500.
• Enhanced penalties for felonies committed by illegal aliens.
• Fingerprinting and DNA collection from non-citizens in custody.
• The identification required to obtain a hunting or fishing license.
• Invalidating driver's licenses issued by other states that do not require proof of citizenship.

Crime Suppression – The Safe Alabama Package

A major theme of the 2025 legislative session will be reducing crime in Alabama’s metropolitan areas. Governor Ivey, Speaker Ledbetter, and Pro Tempore Gudger have all expressed their intent to address violent crime. 

In her “State of the State” address on Tuesday, Governor Ivey said, “[b]olstering public safety is my number one priority this session, and I am proud to partner with Speaker Ledbetter and a bipartisan group of legislators in putting forward a package of bills that will back the blue and combat inner-city gun violence . . . working together, we will create a safer Alabama.”

This package, comprised of bills from numerous sponsors, includes a bill expanding civil liability protections for law enforcement, a bill banning glock switches at the state level, legislation expanding allowing the denial of bail for a wider range of crimes, a bill altering the language of existing laws regarding impersonating law enforcement officers, an increase of funding to expand of the Metro Crime Suppression Unit that has been successfully deployed in the City of Montgomery, a bill enhancing supervision of juveniles at a high risk of criminal recidivism, and legislation enhancing penalties for dangerous felons with firearms. 

Nonprofit Agricultural Health Plan

This week, legislation sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr was reintroduced regarding nonprofit agricultural organizations offering health plans. This legislation would create a new type of “health plan” exempt from state and federal laws and regulations by the state Department of Insurance. The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) would be the organization authorized to market and sell these products and is the key proponent of this legislation. Opponents of the legislation point out that this bill lacks consumer protections and would allow the denial of coverage based upon preexisting conditions and create an entirely unregulated health plan product based on the bill’s current language. 

Veterans Resource Center

Legislation sponsored by Senator Andrew Jones aimed at transitioning veterans and service members to civilian life received approval from the Senate this week and has been sent to the House for consideration. This bill establishes the Alabama Veterans Resource Center. This center is intended to be a comprehensive resource for veterans, military personnel, and their families. It will focus on mental and physical health, employment opportunities, social connections, and overall well-being. The center will operate through a public-private partnership, garnering strong support from the business community.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers

The following two pieces of legislation of interest related to Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have been introduced this legislative session:

• SB 93, sponsored by Senator Andrew Jones, would require PBMs and private health plans to reimburse pharmacies using the Medicaid Agency’s pricing index. The bill would assess a $10.64 dispensing fee on each prescription dispensed. Additionally, it seeks to prevent PBMs from charging pharmacies or pharmacists miscellaneous fees related to network participation and claims processing. 
• SB 99, sponsored by Senator Larry Stutts, would expand oversight by the state Department of Insurance. It also requires PBMs and private health plans to reimburse pharmacies using the NADAC index + 2% or $25, whichever is less + a $10.64 dispensing fee, and regulates how PBMs process claims, determine payment amounts and use manufacturer rebates. 

Budgets

On Wednesday, the 2026 proposed and supplemental budgets were filed in the legislature for review, modification, and approval. The General Fund budget is the funding mechanism for Alabama’s non-education-related expenditures, and the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget is the mechanism for education-related expenditures. During this legislative session, the General Fund budgets will begin in the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee, chaired by Representative Rex Reynolds, and the ETF budgets will begin in the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee chaired by Senator Arthur Orr. The budget Chairmen have recently warned of dwindling returns to the budgets, so do not expect to see as much legislation passed this session that would have major budgetary impacts.

Gender Legislation

Legislation sponsored by Senator April Weaver and Representative Susan DuBose that would add definitions for terms such as “man,” “woman,” “boy,” “girl,” “father,” “mother,” “male,” “female,” and “sex” to the state code was approved by the Senate this week and is pending review in the House. The bill’s sponsors argue that this legislation is simply bringing definitional clarification to the state code and that the bill is a common-sense piece of legislation.

Cell Phones in Classrooms 

Legislation has been introduced by Representative Leigh Hulsey and Senator Donnie Chesteen that places a ban on cell phones in K-12 classrooms during instructional periods. The goal of this legislation is to reduce distractions and improve student performance. Under this legislation, local boards of education would have the authority to determine specific exceptions to the ban. The legislation also includes provisions for internet safety policies and social media safety training for students before they enter the eighth grade.

In her “State of the State” address on Tuesday, Governor Ivey said, “[a]s a former teacher, I know that students cannot do their best when their learning environment is cluttered with distractions . . .  Cell phones and other smart devices often dominate children’s free time and not surprisingly follow them into the classroom, lowering student achievement and contributing to discipline problems. I share the view of most Alabama teachers and parents that cell phones should be banned in the classroom.”

Other Topics to Watch

• Gaming: While sweeping gaming legislation has not yet been introduced after failing to pass the Senate during the last legislative session, the debate continues to simmer in Montgomery among lawmakers on the best path forward. 
• Medical Cannabis: Senator Tim Melson has filed legislation which would amend the licensing process for medical cannabis facilities. The bill would, amongst other things, remove the requirement for an investigatory hearing for challenges made by an applicant denied a license.
• Rural Hospital Tax Credit: Legislation sponsored by Representative Terri Collins that would incentivize donations to rural hospitals was reintroduced after failing to advance in previous legislative sessions. This legislation would provide tax credits against income tax liability for individuals and businesses. 

Status of the Legislature

The legislature used three working days this week, bringing its current total to 3 of its allotted 30 legislative working days. 

As of February 7th, 236 bills were filed in the House, and 138 bills were filed in the Senate.

The House will reconvene on Tuesday, February 11th, at 1:00 PM, and the Senate will reconvene on the same day at 2:00 PM. Next week, the legislature is expected to use three legislative working days.