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Alabama lawmakers returned from the legislative break this week and quickly got to work on major initiatives aimed at helping families, protecting elections and strengthening state government efficiency.
“Members of the House returned from the break this week and tackled some important issues for the people of Alabama,” said Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter. “Among the biggest of those was a $192 million tax cut package that received unanimous support and now heads to the State Senate. This package of cuts impacts every single Alabamian and demonstrates the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring Alabama families continue to benefit from a thriving and well-managed economy.”
The tax relief package was carried by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Committee.
“Any time the Legislature is in a position to cut taxes and help every single Alabamian hold on onto more of their hard-earned money, we need to act upon that opportunity,” Garrett said. “Everyone is experiencing sticker shock at the grocery store, senior citizens are living on fixed incomes that do not go as far as they once did, and every working Alabamian benefits from increasing the optional standard deduction. I am proud to carry this package and look forward to continue working to provide relief to the people of Alabama.”
In addition to the tax cut legislation, lawmakers took action to bolster election security. Rep. James Lomax, R-Huntsville, passed HB363, which would prohibit campaign contributions and expenditures from foreign nationals.
“Elections directly impact the day-to-day lives of every Alabamian. Protecting ballot initiative elections from foreign influence should be of great importance to every Alabamian,” Lomax said. “I am proud that the House voted to bolster election integrity and look forward to continuing to work this bill through the legislative process.”
The House also passed HB327, known as the Alabama K-12 Public School and State Employee Paid Parental Leave Act. Sponsored by Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, the bill would provide eligible state employees and public-school employees with fully paid parental leave following the birth, stillbirth, miscarriage or adoption of a child.
“Today’s vote in the House is a shining example of how important children, born and unborn, are in our state,” said Shaver. “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. My goal with this legislation is to make Alabama the most pro-family state in the nation, and I appreciate my colleague’s support in advancing this important measure.”
Speaker Ledbetter also highlighted the removal of state sales tax on items for expecting mothers as part of this week’s accomplishments.
On Wednesday, the House Fiscal Responsibility Committee heard from Marcus Morgan, director of the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services, about efforts to ensure state government efficiency through program evaluation.
“Director Morgan’s presentation demonstrated that the Alabama Legislature has a strong track record of being good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Killen, who chairs the committee. “Still, there is more we can do as a legislative body to ensure every dollar of taxpayer money is spent in a responsible and impactful way. I look forward to continued discussions with my colleagues in the House on how we can implement more of the commission’s recommendations and make government work better for the people of Alabama.”
The House will return for week seven of the 2025 legislative session on Tuesday, April 1, at 1 p.m.
