Friday Five: March 7, 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
-
The Alabama House passed two public safety bills: SB116, which criminalizes the possession of Glock switches, and HB202, which expands legal protections for law enforcement officers.
SB116, passed with a 77-23 vote, would make it a felony to possess a Glock switch, a device that converts a pistol into a fully automatic weapon. The bill, which had already cleared the Senate, now heads back for final approval before reaching the governor’s desk. The legislation introduces penalties ranging from one year and one day to 10 years in prison for possessing machine gun conversion devices. While already illegal under federal law, Alabama currently has no state statute specifically addressing them. Lawmakers cited rising gun violence, particularly in Birmingham, and recent mass shootings as key factors driving the urgency of this measure. Despite broad bipartisan support, some Republicans expressed concerns, while others stressed the importance of additional public safety initiatives such as mentorship programs and efforts to curb the sale of stolen firearms.
Meanwhile, HB202 passed the House 75-26, expanding legal protections for law enforcement. The bill raises the bar for prosecuting officers, limits civil lawsuits and establishes pretrial immunity hearings with appeal options. Supporters argue it would aid in recruiting and retaining officers and allow them to make swift decisions without fear of prosecution. Opponents, including Reps. Tashina Morris (D-Montgomery), Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile), Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville) and Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham), argue it would weaken accountability and shield officers from misconduct. During debate, they shared personal experiences with racial profiling and concerns over reduced oversight. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Read more: Alabama House passes bill expanding immunity for law enforcement (Alabama Reflector); Bill criminalizing Glock switch possession passes in House (Alabama Political Reporter)
-
A bill that would require Alabama public schools and universities to display the Ten Commandments drew debate in the Senate Education Policy Committee this week.
SB166, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston), would mandates the display in common areas but includes no penalties for noncompliance. Kelley argues the measure would bolster history education and is not a religious move, citing the commandments’ influence on civilization. Critics, including faith leaders and legal advocates, say the bill misrepresents religious texts and violates the First Amendment.
Supporters, including Baptist ministers and conservative organization Eagle Forum, claim the commandments promote universal moral values. Opponents, including Unitarian Universalist Church clergy and Jewish leaders, warn it forces a specific religious view in public schools.
The committee has not yet voted on the bill.
Read more: Alabama Senate bill requiring display of Ten Commandments draws support, opposition (Alabama Reflector)
-
A new series of tax cut proposals totaling $192 million received committee approval Thursday. The bills now headed to the House floor.
Introduced by House Education Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), the bills would cut the state’s grocery tax, offer local governments more control over grocery tax rates, expand retiree exemptions and increase tax deductions for low- and middle-income earners.
The proposed tax cuts aim to save Alabamians around $314.6 million annually. Notable bills include:
HB386: Proposes cutting grocery tax from 3% to 2%, saving $122 million.
HB387: Would give local governments authority to reduce grocery taxes.
HB388: Seeks to double retirement income tax exemption for those 65+ from $6,000 to $12,000.
HB389: Would raise standard deductions for lower-income residents, targeting those earning $60,000 or less.
The package is part of a broader effort from lawmakers to reduce taxes in Alabama. Rep. Garrett continues to emphasize the state’s financial strength. Meanwhile, House Democrats have introduced alternative proposals, including eliminating the grocery tax entirely.
Read more: Alabama lawmakers advance new $192 million tax cut plan (Alabama Daily News)
-
Alabama lawmakers are advancing legislation focused on immigration enforcement, with two key bills moving forward this week.
HB3, approved by the House Judiciary Committee, would increase criminal penalties for undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes involving minors. Under the bill, a Class B felony would be raised to a Class A felony if the victim is a minor. A recent amendment would also ensure misdemeanor offenses involving a minor would be elevated to a Class C felony. Supporters say this would strengthen legal accountability and assist federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Meanwhile, the Senate passed SB55, which would make Driver Privilege Cards—licenses issued to non-citizens in some states—invalid in Alabama. The bill would require law enforcement to issue citations to individuals carrying them, similar to a citation for driving without a valid license.
Supporters argue these measures would improve public safety and legal consistency, while opponents, including civil rights groups, contend the bills could disproportionately impact immigrant communities and raise constitutional concerns over equal sentencing laws. Both bills now move to the full House for debate as part of a broader legislative push on immigration.
Read More: Immigration bills make headway in Alabama Legislature (Alabama Daily News)
-
The Alabama House passed HB146, a bill that would require individuals 16 or older to be prosecuted as adults when charged with intentional murder. The measure, which passed 67-33, would remove judicial discretion in granting youthful offender status for these cases. Currently, judges can grant youthful offender status to individuals under 19, limiting their maximum sentence to three years in prison, regardless of the crime’s severity.
Supporters argue the change would ensure harsher penalties for serious crimes, while opponents, including some Republicans and all House Democrats, say it would remove judicial discretion and create one-size-fits-all sentencing. An amendment limiting the bill’s scope to intentional murder cases passed unanimously. HB146 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Read More: Alabama House passes bill eliminating youthful offender status for intentional murder (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.
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.