Mary Claire Wooten

Mary Claire is a reporter. You can reach her at [email protected].

Education

House committee advances Ten Commandments display bill

The House Judiciary Committee advanced a bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in some school classrooms.

March 19, 2026

Committee advances bill regulating utility-scale solar farms

The House State Government advanced HB623, which requires cleanup plans for solar farms and empowers counties to regulate project development.

March 19, 2026

Coastal Alabama solar project sparks debate over regulation, local control

Lawmakers consider solar regulations and a moratorium after Baldwin County residents raised concerns over the environmental impact of a new project.

March 18, 2026

Mancuso says ballot removal undermines voters, launches independent run

Doc Mancuso launched an independent campaign after being removed from the GOP ballot, arguing the decision limits voter choice.

March 17, 2026

Senate passes bill expanding Public Service Commission, freezing power rate increases

The Senate unanimously passed a bill expanding the Public Service Commission, adding district seats and temporarily banning power rate increases until 2029.

March 13, 2026

Lawmakers review Education Trust Fund as reserves decline

Lawmakers warned that reserves are declining as revenue growth remains steady while debating education initiatives and rising costs.

March 12, 2026

Committee advances Senate bill targeting property title fraud

An Alabama Senate committee advanced a bill creating new protections, tools and safeguards to prevent fraudulent real estate title transfers.

March 11, 2026

Legislators approve 800k contract to support Birmingham reentry efforts

Alabama lawmakers approved an $897,596 contract to provide housing services for Birmingham Day Reporting Center participants.

March 10, 2026

House expands Capitol complex safety bill to restrict drones

The House substituted and amended SB231 on the floor to expand to "Capitol area" and restrict unmanned aircrafts from flying over.

March 6, 2026

House committees advance school prayer bills

Two Alabama House committees advanced similar school prayer bills, debating funding penalties, constitutionality concerns and whether schools should mandate daily prayer.

March 5, 2026