Governor Ivey signed the environmental regulation preemption bill into law Thursday morning. Paul Lee (R-Dothan) was officially elected House Majority Leader on Wednesday. And committees moved forward on ambulance reimbursement, library governance, organ donor protections, immigrant bail restrictions, and retroactive child support. The Aniah’s Law expansion was carried over after due process concerns.
Governor Ivey signed SB71 Thursday morning. The law prohibits state agencies from adopting environmental rules stricter than federal standards on drinking water, air quality, hazardous waste, and contaminated sites. Where no federal standard exists, ADEM can only act if it proves a “direct causal link” to “manifest bodily harm” using “best available science.” The bill also bans ADEM from defaulting to the EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System for water quality standards and requires existing rules using those defaults to be revised within nine months.
The House Republican Caucus elected Rep. Paul Lee on Wednesday to fill the vacancy left by Scott Stadthagen, who resigned to pursue the ALGOP chairmanship (that vote is March 7). Lee is a four-term lawmaker representing District 86 in the Wiregrass, chairs the House Health Committee, and serves on Ways and Means General Fund. Rep. Chip Brown served as interim leader during the transition. Alabama Daily News noted the election followed “a rocky few days” for the majority party after a leaked recording from a closed caucus meeting.
House Healthcare Committee advanced legislation requiring insurers to reimburse ambulance services at specified rates. Addresses funding gaps that have left rural emergency responders underfunded and understaffed.
House Agriculture and Forestry Committee broadened country-of-origin labeling requirements for seafood, building on HB444 to protect consumers and Alabama’s Gulf Coast fishing industry.
House County and Municipal Government Committee approved (with amendments) a bill allowing local governments to remove library board members more easily. Part of the ongoing debate over library content and governance that has been a flashpoint across conservative states.
A House bill advanced providing guaranteed leave and insurance protections for living organ donors, encouraging Alabamians to donate without risking their jobs or coverage.
House Judiciary Committee passed a bill making bail more difficult for immigrants without legal status, cited as a public safety enhancement.
Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill allowing courts to order retroactive child support in certain cases, strengthening family law protections for custodial parents.
Both chambers advanced bills exempting certain farm equipment and energy sources from sales taxes, supporting Alabama’s agricultural operations and reducing cost burdens on farmers.
The Senate Judiciary Committee considered but delayed a vote on expanding Aniah’s Law to give judges more discretion in denying bail for additional violent crimes. Sen. April Weaver, the bill’s sponsor, said more work is needed. Montgomery County’s chief public defender warned the expansion “creates a perfect storm for due process violations” and would “hold citizens longer without evidence.” Sen. Rodger Smitherman argued against eliminating preliminary hearings in cases where a bail hearing is held.
A new bill would ban public K–12 schools from teaching students how to access birth control or abortions. Expect significant debate.
Legislation introduced to prohibit insurance companies from denying claims solely based on artificial intelligence algorithms. Responds to growing concerns about automated denials without human review.
A bill to create a sales tax holiday eliminating taxes on firearms and ammunition. Would join back-to-school and severe weather supplies as exempt purchase periods.
Sen. April Weaver filed a bill creating a new criminal offense for interfering with emergency personnel during active response. Builds on the session’s public safety focus.