Friday Five: April 4, 2025
Alabama’s legislative session is underway, and the trail ahead is full of decisions that will shape the state’s future.
Each week, our #FridayFive maps out the key developments from the State House. We’ll track legislation that is gaining momentum, facing obstacles or coming to a halt. Stay informed as we break down what’s moving, what’s stalled and what it all means for Alabama.
For the full picture, explore our 2025 Alabama Legislative Guide and get ahead of the twists and turns this session.
THIS WEEK’S FRIDAY FIVE
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The Alabama House passed a $3.7 billion General Fund Budget for FY 2026, reflecting a 10% increase over this year’s budget. The plan includes new investments in mental health services, public safety and economic development, including $8 million for community mental health beds, $3 million for the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit and $18 million for site development efforts.
Several supplemental bills also advanced, including funding for opioid treatment, hospital assessments, emergency medical transport and domestic violence preventions programs.
House leaders highlighted Alabama’s 16-year streak of passing balanced budgets, but tensions emerged over the removal of funding for local projects, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Magic City Classic, both of which were zeroed out. Lawmakers have indicated those line items may be restored in the Senate version of the budget.
Read More: Alabama House OKs $3.7 billion General Fund Budget (Alabama Political Reporter)
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Gov. Ivey signed SB199 into law on Wednesday, fulfilling a key priority from her State of the State address and marking a significant step forward for working parents in Alabama. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
Eligible employees will receive eight weeks of paid leave following a birth, stillbirth or miscarriage after 12 weeks. Fathers are eligible for two weeks, and adoptive parents of children under 3 can receive up to eight weeks, depending on eligibility.
The policy was a key recommendation of the Governor’s Study Group on Efficiency in State Government, aimed at improving workforce retention and recruitment across state agencies. The law also includes a return-to-work provision requiring employees to return for at least eight weeks after leave, with exceptions for serious health conditions.
Gov. Ivey called the legislation a reflection of Alabama’s values: “No parent should have to choose between their paycheck and spending time with their newly welcomed child.”
Read More: Alabama becomes 39th state to offer state employees, teachers paid parental leave (AL.com)
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The Alabama House has passed HB166, a bill that would require public schools to implement a bell-to-bell cell phone ban for students during class hours. The bill passed 79–15 and now moves to the Senate, where a companion bill has been filed.
Under the proposal, local school boards would determine how phones are stored. Options include lockers, vehicles or classroom-based organizers such as Yondr pouches or shoe organizers.
Supporters argue the bill addresses a growing issue in classrooms. A Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of U.S. high school teachers say phone use is a major distraction. Backers also cite potential mental health and academic benefits.
Opponents raised concerns about limiting access to phones during emergencies. Some lawmakers also questioned the enforceability of the bill and the lack of immediate consequences for noncompliant schools — though the bill includes a survey process to monitor implementation.
Read More: Alabama House passes public school cell phone ban (Alabama Reflector)
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SB40, known as the Houston Hunter Act, has passed the House and now heads to Gov. Ivey for final approval. The bill would establish a voluntary firearm storage program, allowing individuals to temporarily store their firearms with licensed dealers or law enforcement to reduce suicide risk.
Originally recommended by the Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee earlier this session, the proposal is modeled after Louisiana’s Safer Together Program. It is designed to create space between individuals — particularly veterans — and their firearms during periods of mental health crisis.
The program would be confidential, voluntary and temporary. It also provides civil immunity to participants, including licensed firearm dealers and law enforcement, for actions tied to storage or return of the firearms.
If enacted, it would represent a meaningful step in addressing Alabama’s elevated veteran suicide rate, where firearms are involved in most cases.
Read More: Alabama House to vote on bill for voluntary firearm storage program (Alabama Political Reporter)
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Efforts to pass a comprehensive gambling and lottery proposal appear unlikely to succeed this session.
Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) has been circulating a draft that would legalize lottery ticket sales, electronic gambling at six racetracks and statewide sports betting, with an estimated $750 million in potential annual revenue. His most recent version would redirect more funding to infrastructure, allocating $150 million to roads and bridges and earmarking a share for counties.
But Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger said Thursday the plan is “too little, too late” with only 12 meeting days left in session and both state budgets still pending. “At this point, it’s a bit like trying to nail down Jello,” Gudger said, referring to the bill’s evolving details and uncertain vote count.
Gambling legislation surfaces nearly every year in Alabama but struggles to make it across the finish line. The last major effort failed by one vote in the Senate in 2024. With 21 votes required to approve a constitutional amendment, support for this year’s proposal appears to be at another standstill.
Read More: Alabama Senate leader declares gambling, lottery bills dead for session (Alabama Reflector)
OUR PUBLISHED BY PERITUS TAKEAWAY
The session moves fast, and the path isn’t always clear. Some bills will race ahead, others will hit rough terrain and a few may never leave the trailhead.
That’s why Peritus PR is here with Friday Five—to help you stay oriented as the session unfolds. We’ll mark the milestones, flag the detours and keep an eye on what’s coming next.
Follow along on our socials and check back here every Friday to stay on course. Double-knot your laces—this session won’t wait for stragglers.
At Peritus Public Relations, we know you want to make an impact. To do that you need confidence and clarity to take action. Tell us what’s keeping you up at night and stop letting fear of a misstep get in the way of driving your mission forward. We believe you deserve to get it right. For over a decade, organizations like yours have trusted us to navigate the best path forward.
Peritus specializes in issue advocacy, stakeholder engagement, government affairs and strategic consulting. Let’s connect if you want to learn more about how state policy affects your mission and bottom line.
Check out the 2025 Peritus PR Alabama Legislative Guide here.