2026 Alabama Legislative Update: Regular Session - Week Eight

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TRAIN Act – Career and Technical Education Partnerships

On Thursday, the Talent Readiness and Industry Needs (TRAIN) Act, sponsored by Representative James Lomax, passed the House after being amended. The legislation seeks to expand Alabama’s career and technical education capacity, a leading priority of Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, by allowing businesses to loan qualified employees to serve as CTE instructors through formal partnerships with participating schools. Under the bill, employers would receive a tax credit tied to the salary of loaned employees, subject to annual program caps and per‑employer limits. The TRAIN Act also creates a streamlined workforce teaching certificate for industry professionals. The Department of Revenue would oversee the tax‑credit administration and report on the program’s impact by 2031. This legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Expedited CTE Certification Pathway

Alongside the TRAIN Act, legislation sponsored by Representative Marcus Paramore, creating an expedited certification pathway for career and technical education instructors, passed the House on Thursday morning. The bill directs the State Board of Education to establish a streamlined certification process for qualified out‑of‑state CTE teachers who hold a valid teaching certificate, have at least four years of relevant experience, possess a bachelor’s degree, and pass a criminal‑history background check. Once these criteria are verified, the State Superintendent would be required to issue the certificate without requiring additional testing or coursework. The legislation also permits local school systems to offer relocation stipends or hiring incentives to attract CTE instructors to Alabama. The Superintendent is required to track certificates issued under this pathway and provide annual reports on the program’s effectiveness. This legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

SNAP Benefits

This week, the Alabama Senate passed legislation prohibiting SNAP recipients from purchasing certain sodas and sugary processed foods, sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr. The bill directs the Alabama Department of Human Resources to request a federal waiver to formally exclude candy and soda from eligible SNAP items. Supporters say the measure aims to address Alabama’s relatively high obesity rates, particularly among children and Medicaid participants. 

The Senate adopted amendments altering definitions of “soda” and “candy” and added a “three strikes” provision for retailers who inadvertently process ineligible purchases. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

School Prayer 

Two similar school prayer proposals advanced this week in the Alabama House. One plan would let local school boards decide whether to permit voluntary prayer or devotional time during the school day, while the other would require all public schools to set aside time each day for prayer in addition to the daily Pledge of Allegiance. 

Both measures keep student participation optional but include financial penalties for districts that refuse to comply. Supporters said the proposals would restore traditions they believe once benefited students, while others cautioned that local systems could face major costs or legal challenges. These bills now move to the full House for consideration; at least one of the versions will likely be considered by the House for a full vote next Tuesday.

Foreign Campaign Contributions 

This week, the Senate passed legislation prohibiting foreign nationals from directly or indirectly contributing to Alabama campaigns. Sponsored by Representative James Lomax and Senator Dan Roberts, the bill mirrors federal law and aims to close loopholes under current Alabama law. Under the legislation, foreign nationals would be barred from donating to political parties, PACs, candidates, ballot advertisements, or promising future contributions, with violations classified as a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Supporters emphasized the need for a matching state law to give prosecutors clear authority to pursue cases of foreign influence in Alabama elections. This legislation now moves to the Governor for her signature. 

Ground Ambulance Bill

This week, the Senate passed legislation, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, regarding ambulance services. The proposal sets minimum payments tied to Medicare rates and ensures coverage when EMS treats a patient on‑scene without transporting them, a practice known as "treat‑in‑place." The legislation also bans “balance billing,” preventing ambulance providers from charging patients more than the in‑network cost‑sharing amount. 

EMS leaders testified that reimbursement levels have contributed to staffing shortages and long response times, especially in rural areas where ambulances frequently serve as the only source of emergency care. Business and insurance groups have raised concerns about the growing number of healthcare mandates, warning that increased reimbursement requirements may lead to higher premiums for employers and consumers. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Ten Commandments

This week, the House Education Policy Committee advanced legislation requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools. Sponsored by Representative Mark Gidley, the bill mandates that fifth‑ through twelfth‑grade history classrooms display a poster containing the Ten Commandments, with additional displays in common areas such as cafeterias or libraries. The legislation mirrors a version that passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate, and supporters say the updated language aims to ensure the bill withstands legal scrutiny. Under the proposal, displays would be funded entirely through private donations, with no fiscal impact on local school systems. This legislation will continue to be reviewed in the House. 

Status of the Legislature

The legislature used two working days this week, bringing its current total to nineteen of its allotted 30 legislative working days. 

As of March 6, 586 bills have been filed in the House, and 347 bills have been filed in the Senate.

The House will reconvene on Tuesday, March 10, at 1:00 PM, and the Senate will reconvene on the same day at 2:00 PM. Upon return, the legislature is expected to use three working days.