Friday Five: February 28, 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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An Alabama House committee approved HB238, a bill that would make it easier for people with criminal records to get an occupational license in certain fields. Sponsored by Rep. Parker Moore (R-Hartselle), the bill allows individuals to petition a judge for relief, which, if granted, would prevent licensing boards from automatically denying them based on past convictions.
Supporters say the bill would help people rebuild their lives by giving them a fair shot at trade careers like plumbing, carpentry or electrical work. Cam Ward, director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, argues that access to employment is key to reducing repeat offenses, especially as Alabama’s prisons remain overcrowded. The bill does not apply to registered sex offenders and gives judges the final say on whether someone qualifies. HB238 now moves to the full House for debate.
Read More: Alabama bill would make it easier for people with criminal records to get occupational licenses (Alabama Reflector)
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The Alabama Senate unanimously passed SB116, which would classify the possession or distribution of a Glock switch — a device that converts a pistol into a fully automatic weapon — as a Class C felony, carrying a penalty of 366 days to 10 years in prison.
While already illegal under federal law, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), said state statute is needed to give law enforcement the authority to arrest and prosecute violators at the state level. Rep. Philip Ensler (D-Montgomery) introduced a similar bill in the House earlier this session. The measure is part of Gov. Ivey’s Safe Alabama package and now moves to the House for consideration.
Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee advanced another Safe Alabama measure that would expand legal immunity for law enforcement officers. Sponsored by Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville), the bill would clarify the standard for police misconduct, requiring proof that an officer acted recklessly or violated constitutional rights to face liability. It would also establish a pretrial immunity hearing, allowing judges to determine whether a case proceeds.
Supporters say the bill provides needed legal clarity and helps recruit and retain officers, while critics argue it raises the bar for accountability and makes prosecution more difficult. The bill was amended to clarify judicial authority in immunity hearings but remains under debate as it moves to the full House.
Read More: Alabama Senate passes Glock switch crackdown (Yellowhammer News); Alabama lawmakers advance bill that would make it harder to sue police who use excessive force (WVUA 23)
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Bipartisan legislation to establish paid parental leave for Alabama state employees and public school educators has been filed in both chambers. HB327, sponsored by Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg), and SB199, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile), would provide up to eight weeks of fully paid leave for eligible employees following a birth, stillbirth, miscarriage or adoption.
The proposal, championed by Gov. Ivey, builds on recommendations from a 2023 state study addressing workforce retention. Advocates argue that paid parental leave strengthens families, improves employee retention and leads to better health outcomes for parents and children.
Similar efforts in 2024 stalled, but this version has gained broad support. If passed, the legislation would take effect July 1, 2025.
Read More: Bipartisan paid parental leave policy filed in Alabama: ‘Huge step’ (AL.com)
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The Alabama Senate Committee on Children and Youth Health has approved two bills aimed at restricting minors' access to adult content online. SB186, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville), would require electronics manufacturers to enable content filters by default on devices used by minors. SB187 would require app stores to verify user ages and ensure that minor accounts are linked to a parental account for approval of app downloads.
Proponents argue the bills empower parents and provide stronger safeguards for children, while opponents raise concerns about First Amendment issues and broad enforcement challenges. Both bills now move to the full Senate for consideration before heading to the House.
Read More: Bills requiring content filter on minor devices, app store parental controls move forward (ABC 33/40)
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Legislation establishing the Alabama Veterans Resource Center is now law. Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB70, establishing a statewide hub to connect Alabama’s more than 400,000 veterans with employment support, benefits assistance and mental health resources. The center will operate as a public corporation, governed by an 11-member board of directors, with funding from state appropriations, grants and private contributions ensuring sustainable support for veterans and their families. “Our veterans have taken care of us, so now, we must take care of them,” Ivey said.
Additionally, SB67 elevates the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) Commissioner to a Cabinet-level position, strengthening oversight and aligning with best practices seen in other states The move follows months of tension between the Ivey Administration and the ADVA over leadership disputes and funding concerns.
Veterans organizations have praised both measures as key steps toward streamlining services and strengthening advocacy for Alabama’s veteran community.
Read More: Gov. Ivey signs bill to establish Alabama Veterans Resource Center (Alabama Political Reporter)
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.