The Senate passed HB138 Wednesday with a Senate substitute, sending it back to the House for concurrence. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham)—the same member who carried HB464 on DHR due process—allows certain state retirees to return to state employment without forfeiting their retirement benefits. It passed 31–0 in the Senate. If the House concurs, it heads to Governor Ivey.
The measure addresses a longstanding barrier discouraging experienced state workers from continuing to contribute after retirement age. It passed in both chambers without a single dissenting vote.
Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) carried legislation prohibiting food assistance recipients from using SNAP benefits to purchase sodas and certain sugary processed foods. The bill passed 23–2 and heads to the House. Alabama would join a small number of states seeking federal waivers to restrict benefit use on low-nutrition items.
Rep. Chad Robertson (R-Heflin) carried a bill requiring public high schools to hold signing day ceremonies for students entering the military or trade school after graduation—identical in spirit to the athletic signing days schools already hold. Passed 90–2 and heads to the Senate.
Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur) sponsored a rebate incentive program for small productions within the Alabama Entertainment Office. Passed 99–1 and heads to the Senate.
Sen. Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery) carried a bill increasing the Montgomery County Sheriff’s salary from $175,000 to $225,000 after two consecutive terms, and boosting the expense allowance from $20,000 to $70,000 per year. Passed 20–0 and heads to Governor Ivey.
The House Education Policy Committee advanced a bill requiring public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. The measure mirrors similar legislation enacted in Louisiana that is currently subject to federal court challenge. It now heads to the full House.
Governor Ivey signed the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act into law Wednesday, advancing a priority from her final legislative agenda. The bill addresses screen time guidelines for young children in state-funded programs.