Alabama Legislature

Professors and students at the University of Alabama testified on Thursday that a new an anti-diversity, equity and inclusion law has jeopardized funding and changed curriculum, as a federal judge weighs whether the legislation is constitutional before the new school year begins. The new state law, SB129, followed a slew of proposals from Republican lawmakers across the country taking aim at DEI programs on college campuses. Universities across the country have shuttered or rebranded student affinity groups and DEI offices.

Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Tennessee all have laws against what’s called tianeptine. The renewed concerns is because U.S. poison control centers have reported a steady rise in calls linked to the drug for more than a decade. Alabama outlawed tianeptine back in 2021. It’s listed as as a schedule one substance. Tianeptine is considered an an antidepressant that can be addictive and carries the risk of serious side effects. It’s never been approved by the FDA as a drug or dietary supplement

Former congressional candidate Ken McFeeters announced Tuesday that he is running for governor of Alabama next year, casting himself as a political outsider and accusing his opponent U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of being a "part of the establishment."

Secretary of State Wes Allen has an opponent in his race for lieutenant governor. Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate wants the job as well. Pate, a Republican, was elected agriculture commissioner in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones is reportedly interested in running for Governor of Alabama, as is former Secretary of State John Merrill. Another name may be U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville

Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday gave final passage to legislation that will make Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the end of slavery after the Civil War, an official state holiday. The Alabama Senate voted 13-5 for the legislation that now goes to Governor Kay Ivey for her to sign or veto.

Alabama lawmakers voted to cut the state sales tax on food and to exempt diapers, baby formula and feminine hygiene products from the state sales tax altogether. The Alabama Senate approved both bills by votes of 34-0. The bills now goes to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature.

The Alabama legislature is working to make Hollywood feel more at home in our state. A bill is making its way through the Senate in Montgomery to add incentives for people who make movies or commercials here in Alabama. APR student reporter Barry Carmichael spoke to one Mobile resident whose movie making experience including meeting the actor who played Luke Skywalker.

An Alabama teen who narrowly survived a fierce shark attack last year said she hopes a proposed alert system before state lawmakers can help keep others safe in the water. Lulu Gribbin, now 16, was one of three people bitten by a shark last year, during a string of attacks off the Florida Panhandle.

Alabama legislators unanimously passed a bill that would expedite access to Medicaid for pregnant women, as more states across the South attempt to stem high maternal and infant mortality rates. The "presumptive eligibility" legislation states that Medicaid will pay for a pregnant woman's outpatient medical care for up to 60 days while an application for the government-funded insurance program is being considered.