Tom Butler

Legislature

New bill would ban Delta THC, remove legal framework for consumable hemp

Senator Tom Butler proposed classifying hemp-derived cannabinoids as Schedule I drugs, threatening small businesses that recently adapted to new state licensing requirements.

March 5, 2026

Two lawmakers to step down, setting up interesting races

The resignation of Debbie Wood and the decision not to seek re-election by Tom Butler open up two sought-after legislative seats.

July 9, 2025

Republican Party holds off Democratic challenges in Madison County

Republican candidates staved off Democratic opponents in three competitive races in the county.

November 9, 2022

Republican incumbent battles Democrat business leader for Huntsville’s Senate seat

With such an even split between party loyalty, both candidates emphasized local issues to APR over party politics.

November 2, 2022

Governor to host ceremonial bill signing for medical marijuana bill, other legislation

Gov. Kay Ivey will host a ceremonial bill signing event in Montgomery for a number of bills passed during the 2021 Legislative Session.

June 17, 2021

Senate bill would strip some emergency powers from governor, state health officer

Republican state senators are becoming increasingly anxious that Gov. Kay Ivey is being too cautious in her approach to reopening the Alabama economy and getting the people of Alabama back to work. This week State Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, filed a bill “to improve the system of checks and balances” in setting, extending and lifting … Continued

May 7, 2020

Brooks advises governor to reopen the Alabama economy

Congressman Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, transmitted to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey her request Monday for recommendations by Alabama’s 5th Congressional District Advisory Committee for reviving Alabama’s economy. The Committee was formed at Governor Ivey’s request. The group evaluated the economic effects of Governor Ivey’s “Stay-at-Home Order” and made recommendations on how to best minimize economic damage … Continued

April 21, 2020

Medical marijuana bill passes the Senate

Thursday, the Alabama Senate passed a bill that, if passed by the House and signed by the governor, would make Alabama the 34th state in the country to legalize medical marijuana. Senate Bill 165 was sponsored by State Senator Tim Melson, R-Florence. “This is a big step for Alabama,” Melson said. “But there is still … Continued

March 13, 2020

Tom Butler endorses Bradley Byrne for U.S. Senate

Wednesday, Bradley Byrne’s campaign for U.S. Senate announced today that State Senator Tom Butler, R-Huntsville, announced his endorsement for Congressman Bradley Byrne, R-Montrose, in the Alabama Republican Primary for United States Senate. “I have known Bradley for over 20 years,” Sen. Butler said, :I served with him in the Alabama State Senate. I was serving … Continued

January 24, 2020

Bill to abolish elected county superintendents stalled in Alabama House

The Alabama House of Representatives rejected a proposal Friday to force all Alabama counties to adopt a system where the county board of education hires a school superintendent. In many Alabama counties, the county school superintendent is an elected official over the schools analogous to the Sheriff with law enforcement. City systems already have appointed … Continued

June 3, 2019