Friday Five: March 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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The Alabama House has passed HB386, a bill that proposes cutting the state’s grocery sales tax from 3% to 2% starting Sept. 1 of this year. Sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), the bill is part of a $192 million tax relief package aimed at easing financial burdens on Alabama families. By removing a previous requirement linking the tax cut to Education Trust Fund (ETF) revenue growth, HB386 would ensure the reduction can happen regardless of economic conditions.
While the proposed cut is projected to reduce ETF revenues by $121 million annually, it has received strong bipartisan support as a way to provide direct relief amid rising grocery prices. Last week, more than 200 Alabama Arise supporters gathered at the State House, urging lawmakers to pass the bill in the Senate and pushing for the eventual elimination of the grocery tax altogether. Advocates emphasized that taxing food disproportionately affects low-income families and called the measure a necessary step toward economic fairness.
In addition, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) has introduced HB467, a bill that seeks to impose a permanent exemption on overtime pay from state income tax, extending a measure set to expire in June. With 33 bipartisan cosponsors, the proposal aims to put more money in workers’ pockets. However, budget leaders are skeptical due to its unexpectedly high cost — $230 million over nine months. Supporters argue that exempting overtime pay boosts household income and economic activity, while opponents warn of long-term tax revenue impacts.
As both tax cut measures head to the Senate, lawmakers will weigh financial relief against potential budget challenges.
Read more: Alabama House of Representatives unanimously advances bill to reduce state grocery tax (Yellowhammer News); Effort to extend overtime tax cut amasses bipartisan support, though key lawmakers remain skeptical (Alabama Daily News)
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Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB115, the Officer Impersonation Prevention Act, strengthening laws against impersonating law enforcement officers. Sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) and Rep. Ron Bolton (R-Northport), the bill closes loopholes that could allow unqualified individuals to pose as police officers, reinforcing public trust and officer safety.
“Safeguarding the law enforcement profession is just plain common sense, and bolstering the existing law here adds one more tool in our toolbox,” Gov. Ivey said. “Every Alabamian deserves to know that the men and women entrusted with enforcing our laws are fully qualified and properly certified.”
SB115 is part of Gov. Ivey’s Safe Alabama public safety package. Last week, she also signed SB116, banning illegal Glock switches that turn handguns into automatic weapons. Emphasizing public safety as her top priority, Ivey expressed support for additional measures, including the Back the Blue Bill (HB202), which is still making its way through the legislature.
Read more: Governor signs SB115, the Officer Impersonation Prevention Act (Alabama Political Reporter)
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A proposed bill, HB445, introduced by Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), seeks to regulate consumable hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8 in Alabama. The bill would establish testing and labeling requirements, limit THC content to five milligrams per beverage and 0.3% for other products and grant the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board authority over retailers. It also includes an excise tax — a tax applied to certain goods — and penalties for underage consumption. Proponents, like Whitt, argue the bill is necessary to protect children from unsafe products that are currently sold without regulation, while ensuring consumer safety. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in the House Health Committee.
A similar bill, SB237, was rejected by a Senate committee. Sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence), it sought to regulate hemp products in the same way as alcohol and tobacco, requiring licenses and a 10% excise tax. It would also have imposed restrictions on smokable hemp and sales to those under 21. Despite Melson’s argument to protect minors and address health concerns, the bill failed in a tied vote. Opponents, including industry representatives, argued it over-regulated businesses and suggested implementing a more business-friendly, 21-plus model and shifting oversight to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
Read more: Proposed bill would give ABC regulatory authority over some Delta-8 products (Alabama Political Reporter); Alabama Senate committee rejects bill regulating hemp drinks, products (Alabama Reflector)
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The Alabama House passed HB30, which would mandate post-election audits after every countywide and statewide general election. Sponsored by Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley), the bill would require local probate judges to audit one randomly selected race from each election to ensure the accuracy of electronic voting machines. Wood emphasized the bill is not for recounts but to increase transparency and public confidence in elections.
The bill passed 63-30, with three Republicans opposing it. Some lawmakers expressed concerns about compliance and resources, while Democrats argued it implies ongoing voter fraud and isn’t necessary, citing Alabama’s strong election integrity ranking. An amendment requiring election volunteers to oversee the audits was added to ensure bipartisan involvement.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
Read more: Alabama House approves bill mandating post-election audits (Alabama Reflector)
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A bill that would extend workers' compensation benefits to public education employees stalled in an Alabama House committee last week. SB1, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, would allow full-time public-school employees injured on the job to use sick leave for recovery. Despite strong support from Democrats, who argued that educators have gone too long without this benefit, the bill faced delays over concerns about its funding and the appeals process.
Republicans on the House Ways and Means Education Committee, including Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook), called for more time to review the bill's differences from current state employee benefits. Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur) supported carrying it over, as the committee only had a partial version, but other Democrats pushed for a vote, arguing no other profession lacks workers' compensation. The bill will be revisited when the Legislature reconvenes on April 1.
Read more: Bill giving workers’ compensation to education employees stalled in Alabama House committee (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.
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Check out the 2025 Peritus PR Alabama Legislative Guide here.