Friday Five: May 16, 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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Gov. Ivey signed HB445 into law, making Alabama one of the latest states to regulate hemp-derived THC products such as delta-8 and delta-10. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), was backed by law enforcement officials and passed with strong support in both chambers.
The new law will restrict THC sales to adults 21+ and limits sales to liquor stores or standalone CBD/hemp shops where minors are not allowed, banning sales at convenience and grocery stores. It also imposes a 10-cent excise tax on hemp products and gives the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board authority to enforce the law.
HB445 has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle.
Supporters of the products, including patients and small business owners, have pushed back strongly against the law, calling it "cruel" and devastating to the thousands of Alabamians who rely on delta-8 and similar products for pain, anxiety and other medical needs in the absence of a broader medical cannabis program. Retailers say the law threatens to shutter hundreds of small businesses across the state, many of which have depended on hemp-derived THC sales to stay afloat.
At the same time, socially conservative groups argue the law doesn’t go far enough, calling it a half-measure that legitimizes recreational THC use in a state that has consistently resisted legalization.
Lawmakers supported the bill in part due to a rise in minors using unregulated THC products, with many citing poison control reports.
With the excise tax taking effect this summer and full regulations not expected for another year, stakeholders on all sides are bracing for a bumpy implementation and the likelihood of court challenges.
Read more: Ivey signs THC product regulation bill into law (Alabama Daily News); THC advocates, retailers vow to fight ‘cruel’ new law: ‘Alabama deserves better than this’ (AL.com)
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Gov. Kay Ivey has signed the “Powering Growth” package into law. The package is a multi-bill initiative aimed at expanding Alabama’s energy infrastructure to support economic development and industrial recruitment.
“In order to keep Alabama’s economy growing, we’ve got to make sure that we have the power to support it,” Gov. Ivey said. “That’s what Powering Growth is all about — making sure our energy infrastructure is robust enough to meet the demands of new industries, new jobs and a stronger future.”
The legislation creates the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank to fund energy projects tied to job creation, with a focus on grid reliability, rural investment and unlocking private and federal funding. It also streamlines permitting, cuts red tape and allocates funding to make industrial sites “power ready,” meaning they’ll have immediate access to necessary energy infrastructure. This is a key factor in site selection for manufacturers and other large employers, who often bypass locations that face delays in securing utilities.
Backed by legislative leaders and business advocates, the package is intended to meet growing energy demands, address supply chain issues and position Alabama as a frontrunner in industrial recruitment, all without raising taxes.
Read more: Governor Ivey signs ‘Powering Growth’ bills into law as state prepares to accelerate Alabama energy dominance, economic development (Yellowhammer News)
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A bill to restructure the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s Board of Trustees died after a last-minute filibuster by Senate Democrats blocked a final vote.
Sponsored by Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine), SB5 would have shifted board appointments from a self-nominating process to one controlled by the governor and legislative leaders. The bill was part of Elliott’s ongoing push following conservative backlash to a 2023 Archives event on Alabama LGBTQ+ history.
The bill advanced further this year than in past attempts, clearing the Senate and a House committee. But after the House added an amendment to remove Senate confirmation from certain appointments, concerns were raised about eliminating legislative oversight.
Elliott initially moved to accept the House changes but reversed course amid the filibuster and sent the bill to a conference committee. The panel restored the original Senate version, but the Legislature adjourned before a final vote.
Archives Director Steve Murray thanked staff for their continued service, and Board Chair Delores Boyd defended the current structure as effective and long-standing. Meanwhile, Sen. Elliott said he plans to bring the bill back next session.
Read more: Bill to give politicians appointments to Alabama Archives’ governing board fails (Alabama Reflector)
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Alabama lawmakers approved HB202, a bill that expands legal protections for police officers by setting new standards for use of force and allowing officers to seek immunity in both criminal and civil cases. The bill states an officer is “justified” in using force unless it is deemed constitutionally excessive or “recklessly” beyond their authority.
Supporters say the bill provides clarity and backs law enforcement officers facing difficult, split-second decisions. “We ask them to take care of us … This bill will give them the assurances that we back them and back the blue,” said Sen. Lance Bell (R-St. Clair County), a former deputy sheriff.
Democrats opposed the legislation, warning it could shield misconduct and disproportionately impact Black Alabamians. Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) called it “a license to kill Black people.” Sen. Merika Coleman (D-Pleasant Grove) said it could protect “bad apples” and place young people of color at greater risk.
The bill passed the Senate 25–6 in the final hour of session and was signed into law by Gov. Ivey. “There is NO question Alabama backs the blue,” Gov. Ivey said.
The law will also require departments to track use-of-force complaints. Critics, including civil rights attorneys, say it could embolden abuse but noted federal civil rights cases would still be unaffected.
Read more: Alabama lawmakers approve additional legal protections for police officers (Associated Press)
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Alabama lawmakers have passed SB101, a bill that would raise the age at which minors can independently consent to their own medical care from 14 to 16. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia), now awaits Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature.
Under current law, minors as young as 14 can consent to medical, dental and mental health treatment, as well as participate in school counseling or receive vaccinations. SB101 raises that age of consent to 16, while preserving exceptions for minors who are pregnant, married, divorced, have graduated high school or are emancipated and living apart from their guardian.
Supporters say the bill strengthens parental rights by ensuring parents remain involved in major health decisions affecting their children. The bill also bars health care providers or government agencies from denying parents access to a child’s medical information, unless a court order exists or the parent is under investigation for crimes against the child.
Opponents have expressed concerns that the bill could make it harder for vulnerable youth to access timely care, particularly for mental health, reproductive health or counseling services.
Read more: Bill to raise age of medical consent to 16 in Alabama could soon become law (AL.com)
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.