Education / Legislature Alabama House debates, passes bill to let UA restructure social work school The Alabama House passed legislation Thursday, that drew debate concerning its impacts on University of Alabama social work programming. Wesley Walter / January 30, 2026
Alabama’s new tax exemption for menstrual products starts Monday The state’s new sales tax exemption on menstrual and maternity products, as well as baby essentials, will take effect on September 1. Mary Claire Wooten / August 29, 2025
Gov. Ivey signs HB152, exempts sales tax on baby, maternity, hygiene items The law takes effect Sept. 1, providing relief to families and seniors on essential goods like diapers, formula, and feminine products. May 12, 2025
Committee advances bill to expand school vaccine exemptions The House Health Committee approved SB87 to let parents opt children out of school vaccines with a simple note, despite health warnings. Jacob Holmes / May 1, 2025
Alabama House votes to eliminate state sales tax on essential items The bill would eliminate sales tax on diapers, baby formula and menstrual products, saving taxpayers $13 million annually. Mary Claire Wooten / March 21, 2025
Alabama cities could raise their local minimum wage under proposed law Rep. Neil Rafferty introduced HB291 to repeal the Alabama Uniform Minimum Wage and Right-to-Work Act. Mary Claire Wooten / February 24, 2025
Alabama’s Jones, Rafferty honored in 2024 CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award The award recognizes elected and appointed officials aged 40 or younger who demonstrate excellence in bipartisan leadership. November 21, 2024
Human Rights Campaign condemns anti-LGBTQ laws Cathryn Oakley, Human Rights Campaign state legislative director and senior counsel, called the bills “the single most anti-transgender legislative package in history.” Jacob Holmes / April 11, 2022
House concurs with “Don’t Say Gay” amendment to gender bathroom bill Democrats criticized Republicans for ramming through the amendment language. Jacob Holmes / April 8, 2022
Bathroom bill passes House Proponents claim boys entering girls' bathrooms is a safety concern that schools are afraid to address for fear of lawsuit. Jacob Holmes / February 24, 2022