2026 Alabama Legislative Update: Regular Session - Week Eleven

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Public Service Commission Reform

Legislation expanding and restructuring the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) was signed by Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday afternoon following final passage in both chambers. The bill increases the number of commissioners from three to seven, and establishes a new Secretary of Energy position within the state’s government. Supporters argued the changes would modernize the PSC, improve oversight of utilities, and better reflect Alabama’s population growth. The changes represent the most significant overhaul of the PSC in decades.

Budgets

This week, both chambers advanced budget measures for the upcoming fiscal year. On Wednesday, the House approved a $3.74 billion General Fund budget, which finances non‑education state agencies. The House version reflects minor changes to the Senate‑passed budget and now returns to the Senate for concurrence as lawmakers work toward final passage. 

Separately, the Senate approved the FY 2027 Education Trust Fund budget package. The bill makes limited adjustments to the House‑passed version of the education budget. The education budget now returns to the House for concurrence as lawmakers work toward final passage. 

Solar Power Moratorium 

This week, the House advanced out of committee legislation sponsored by Representative Matt Simpson that would impose a one‑year moratorium on the construction of solar farms in counties bordering the Gulf of America. Similar legislation sponsored by Senator Greg Albritton is also pending in the Senate.

Both bills are positioned for floor consideration in their respective chambers, but their paths forward remain uncertain amid differing views on solar farm development. As the session enters its final weeks, time constraints and procedural rules could limit further movement before adjournment.

Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act

This week, the Senate approved the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, legislation establishing Alabama’s first emergency‑preparedness licensing requirement for overnight residential camps. The bill, sponsored by Representative David Faulkner and Senator Dan Roberts, was named in memory of eight‑year‑old Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook, who died during severe flooding at a Texas summer camp last year. The legislation requires the camps to obtain an emergency‑preparedness license through the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and meet specified safety and planning standards. Supporters said the bill is intended to improve readiness and coordination during emergencies and avoid potential fatal tragedies. This legislation is expected to be signed into law by Governor Ivey in the near future.

Montgomery Police Department Legislation 

Legislation addressing staffing requirements for the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) advanced this week. The bill establishes minimum staffing standards for MPD and authorizes state‑level intervention if the city fails to meet those thresholds. Supporters said the legislation is necessary to ensure adequate public safety resources in the state’s capital city, arguing that policing levels should not be subject to local budgetary or political disputes. Opponents criticized the bill as an attempt to undermine local control. The bill is now positioned for passage in the House. 

Religious Released Time 

On Tuesday, the House unanimously passed a piece of parental rights and religious liberty legislation, sponsored by Senator Shay Shelnutt and Representative Susan DuBose, that alters the existing Released Time Credit Act. The bill adds definitions and tightens language around how released‑time activities are handled during the school day. It also specifies options for local boards to include in their policies regarding religious released time for record‑keeping, background checks, and liability coverage by the sponsoring entities, along with existing limits on instructional time and the use of public funds. The legislation does not require any district to adopt a policy, but explicitly states that parents shall be able to choose religious released-time education as an option for their children. The bill, which is strongly supported by Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, has been sent to Governor Ivey for her signature. 

Senate Rule Changes 

The Senate this week unanimously approved changes to its internal rules clarifying the role and authority of the lieutenant governor as presiding officer. The revisions were adopted without debate and are intended to more clearly define procedural responsibilities and the relationship between the presiding officer and the chamber.

Supporters said the changes improve transparency and consistency in Senate operations while preserving the chamber’s authority over its own proceedings. With unanimous approval, the revised rules take effect immediately.

Gulf of America 

The Senate this week approved legislation requiring state and local government entities to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” with debate halted by a cloture motion. The bill, sponsored by Representative David Standridge and Senator Chris Elliott, passed following a previous Democratic filibuster. The legislation includes exemptions where the change would create a financial or operational burden and allows K‑12 schools and higher‑education institutions to continue using “Gulf of Mexico” in historical or academic instruction. The bill now goes to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature.

Ten Commandments 

The Senate this week approved legislation requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in Alabama public schools. The bill, sponsored by Senator Keith Kelley, would mandate that posters be displayed in classrooms serving grades five through twelve, as well as in common areas such as libraries and cafeterias. The legislation was passed after Senate Republicans used cloture to limit debate. 

Under the bill, school systems would not be required to use public funds to comply and could instead rely on donated posters or private funding. The bill now moves to the House for consideration where a similar House version of the legislation, sponsored by Representative Mark Gidley, is pending.

Status of the Legislature

The Legislature held three working days this week, bringing the total to twenty‑seven of its allotted thirty legislative days.

As of April, 666 bills have been filed in the House, and 380 bills have been filed in the Senate.

Both chambers will return on Tuesday, April 7, at 1:00 p.m. Upon return, lawmakers are expected to work late into Tuesday night. The Legislature is expected to use its remaining three working days before adjourning sine die.