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The Alabama Legislature has officially kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session, meeting three times in its first week and laying the groundwork for key policy debates. With 27 legislative days remaining, lawmakers are setting their priorities on public safety, veteran support, and education reform.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, struck an optimistic tone about the state’s momentum and the opportunities ahead.
“I am excited to have our 105 members of the Alabama House of Representatives back in Montgomery for what will be another productive Legislative Session,” Ledbetter said. “Each session presents a great opportunity to address the challenges facing our state, and I believe we have the wind at our backs here in Alabama. Just last week, the nation’s report card was released, showing that our state has made remarkable gains in fourth-grade math and reading. We also now have a president in office who prioritizes issues like a strong economy and secure borders, which undoubtedly places our state in a much stronger position.”
As lawmakers move into week two, the House will take up the Safe Alabama Package, a set of bills focused on strengthening public safety and supporting law enforcement.
Governor Kay Ivey’s State of the State Address on Tuesday underscored several high-profile bills that will define the session, including major initiatives on veteran services, law enforcement protections, and education policies.
Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, introduced a measure to create the Alabama Veterans Resource Center, a centralized hub for supporting military personnel and their families.
“Returning to civilian life after serving our country can be challenging for America’s heroes,” Oliver said. “Supporting Alabama’s 400,000 veterans will always be a top priority, and I fully believe the Alabama Veterans Resource Center has the power to uplift the men and women who have made great sacrifices for our country.”
On the public safety front, Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, is sponsoring the Back the Blue Protection Act, aimed at expanding legal protections for law enforcement officers.
“Alabama’s police officers, sheriff deputies, and highway patrolmen should be able to focus solely on protecting our communities,” Reynolds said. “The Back the Blue Protection Act would ensure that our state’s law enforcement professionals can continue carrying out their duties with full confidence that they have our support. As a former police officer, I believe this is one of the most impactful public safety initiatives in the history of our state.”
Meanwhile, workforce retention is a key focus, with Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, leading the bill HB309 to provide paid parental leave for teachers and state employees.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and retain quality classroom teachers and state employees who are willing to build long careers in public service,” Shaver said. “This parental leave legislation will provide state employees and teachers with the opportunity to properly bond with their children without the added stress of worrying about their jobs.”
Education policy is also at the forefront. Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, has introduced HB166, which would ban cell phone use in classrooms and require school boards to implement stronger internet safety policies.
“Thanks to the dedication of our teachers and the hard work of our students, Alabama is making remarkable progress in public education,” Hulsey said. “It is crucial that we capitalize on this momentum, and I believe that addressing cell phone use in the classroom will better position Alabama’s students for success. Numerous studies indicate that cellphone use in schools not only leads to decreased academic performance but also results in constant disciplinary issues. The bottom line is that while cell phones can be valuable tools for students, we must ensure they do not hold them back from receiving a quality education.”
As the 2025 session moves forward, lawmakers will continue shaping policies that impact Alabama’s families, law enforcement, and workforce. With major proposals on the table, the coming weeks will set the tone for what could be a defining legislative year. The House will reconvene on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m., with a full slate of committee work and floor debates ahead.
