Alabama state legislature

Alabama lawmakers rejected a bill on Wednesday that would impose a criminal penalty on a parent whose child brings a gun to school if the firearm was not secured at home. The bill’s Democratic sponsor, Rep. Barbara Drummond from Mobile, emphasized that the bill was meant to be a “pro-school” measure instead of a gun control measure.

The construction of a new Alabama Statehouse, now underway in Montgomery, and related projects such as a parking deck and new green space has a new price tag. Lawmakers were updated this week.

Alabama lawmakers advanced legislation that would provide state tax breaks to businesses that help their employees afford childcare.

Governor Kay Ivey has signed a proclamation to set special election dates for Alabama House District 52. This seat was previously held by John Rogers, whose resignation was effective March 13, 2024.

The longest-serving member of the Alabama House of Representatives, has resigned from the Legislature after pleading guilty to federal conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges. John Rogers will be sentenced on July 26

Students and teachers in Florida will be able to speak freely about sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms, provided it's not part of instruction, under a settlement reached Monday between Florida education officials and civil rights attorneys who had challenged a state law which critics dubbed "Don't Say Gay."

Alabama lawmakers have moved closer to approving protections for fertility clinics. Lawmakers in both chambers on Thursday advanced legislation that should shield IVF providers from civil lawsuits and prosecution for the “damage to or death of an embryo” during IVF services. The measures could be approved by early next week.

Governor Kay Ivey has announced the awarding of nearly $150 million to continue the expansion of high-speed internet service to unserved areas across Alabama.

Break out those fuzzy dice. They're finally free to dangle in Illinois. A law taking effect Monday will prohibit police there from pulling over motorists solely because they have something hanging from the review mirror of the windshield. A change in Alabama taxation will mean higher worker paydays, maybe temporarily. They’re just two of hundreds of state laws taking effect across the U.S. with the start of the new year.

Federal judges reviewing Alabama's new congressional map sharply questioned if state lawmakers ignored the court's directive to create a second-majority Black district, so minority voters have a fair opportunity to influence elections.