Alabama 2026 Legislative Report: Week Eleven
Lawmakers advanced major state budgets and enacted key legislation affecting criminal penalties, tax exemptions and healthcare coverage.
2026 Legislative Session
Bill expanding utility relocation reimbursement moves through Senate committee
The bill would open utility relocation reimbursements to all companies, removing the annual income requirement and adding spending caps
Gov. Ivey signs HB475, freezing electric rates and reshaping PSC
Supporters argued the legislation provided immediate relief to consumers while allowing a wider range of perspectives in utility regulation decisions.
April 3, 2026
House passes bill to increase penalties for eluding law enforcement
Despite strong opposition from Democrats citing systemic distrust of police, lawmakers advanced a measure making eluding officers in a vehicle a felony.
Alabama House passes $3.7 billion General Fund Budget
The $3.7 billion spending plan featured a 2 percent pay raise for state employees and level-funding for most core operations.
Opinion
Opinion
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See recent postsBill allowing takeover of Montgomery PD solves nothing, makes no sense
Legislation seeking to force Montgomery to hire more police officers ignores reality and basic common sense.
House committee OKs Alabama Voting Rights Act
Lawmakers advanced a package to guarantee early voting, eliminate absentee ballot restrictions and automatically restore ballot access for some returning from incarceration.
House committee advances bill to exclude credit card transaction fees from sales tax
Business leaders praised the legislation for providing statutory clarity, while local government advocates warned of lost municipal revenue.
Rep. Mooney caught recording caucus, removed by House Republicans
A closed-door meeting on PSC legislation was disrupted when Mooney was caught recording, escalating tensions after prior leaked caucus audio involving Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter.
Alabama Senate Republicans approve Ten Commandments bill after limiting debate
The legislation passed Tuesday mandated the religious text in classrooms for fifth graders and older, relying on private donations to avoid legal challenges.