Today has been significant for the Alabama Legislature. Lawmakers wrapped up final votes on some of the most important bills of the session, with various issues still at play.
After fulfilling key constitutional duties on Tuesday night, including the approval of the General Fund and Education Trust Fund budgets for Governor Kay Ivy, several major laws managed to pass, albeit amid potential filibusters from Democrats and some resistance from Republicans.
As of the end of last week’s record, legislators introduced a total of 961 bills, with the House approving 323 and the Senate 164.
With only three days left in the 2025 legislative session, today’s postponed actions add to the urgency.
Birmingham Waterworks Reform
The House successfully passed a much-anticipated reform bill aimed at restructuring the Birmingham Waterworks Board.
Sponsored by State Assemblyman Jim Kerns (R-Bestvier Hills) and Senators Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) and Jabo Wagoner (R-Bestvier Hills), SB330 targets long-standing concerns over mismanagement and financial accountability by transitioning to a more regionally representative board.
The bill also includes term limits for board members, mandatory training requirements, and new financial oversight measures.
Although it faced strong opposition from Jefferson County Democrats, it moved forward without issues and is now set to go to Governor Ivy for her approval.
Health Plan Bill in the Senate
The Senate passed a measure that permits the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) to offer health benefit plans outside the typical insurance regulations, dubbed the Farm Bureau’s Health Plan.
Initially approved in the House by State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook) with unanimous support, HB477 addresses significant priorities and is now on its way to Governor Ivy.
Modeling a plan similar to those in ten other states, the initiative aims to offer more affordable options for farmers and rural residents who usually lack employer-sponsored insurance. Federal estimates suggest families could save up to 60% on medical expenses with such plans.
To alleviate concerns from healthcare organizations and insurance companies, lawmakers included amendments to ensure protections like prohibiting cancellations or increased premiums due to medical diagnoses, along with required coverage for prescriptions, mental health care, and substance abuse treatments.
The bill is currently carried by Senator Arthur Oh (R-Decatur) and will also head to Governor Ivy.
Power Ring Growth Initiative
The House finalized its passage of the Power Ring Growth Package, a three-part initiative aimed at updating Alabama’s energy infrastructure and accelerating industrial development.
SB304, led by Senator Arthur Oh and Senator James Lomax (R-Huntsville), establishes the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank to finance projects like substations and power lines.
Having passed the Senate last week, today’s approval in the House saw only one dissenting vote from Rep. Ben Harrison (R-Elkmont), and it garnered support from the Alabama Growth Alliance and the Department of Commerce. It will also proceed to Governor Ivy for her signature.
Smith Lake Resort Bill
The House granted final approval to SB322, allowing Senators Gangaggger (R-Kalman) and Jabo Wagoner (R-Hestavia Hills) to annex specific community development areas near Smith Lake into adjacent municipalities.
The bill saw a strong Senate vote of 27-1 but initially faced pushback from the Kalman County Commission, which raised concerns about potential disruptions to local planning. Gudger counters that annexation remains voluntary and that legal structures exist to manage certain developments.
Supporters believe this could unlock $1.15 billion in investments in Kalman County. The bill was brought home by State Rep. Brian Brignak (R-Tuscaloosa).
Updated at 1:04pm to reflect the passage of HB477 by the Alabama Senate.
