Alabama Legislature Nears End of Session: What's the Holdup?

It's crunch time in Montgomery! Today marks the last day of the 2025 regular legislative session, and things are... interesting. The Alabama House is taking a decidedly chill approach – no special order calendar, and no big bills hitting the floor just yet.

House on Standby

The House gaveled in around 1 p.m. Wednesday, but quickly recessed. Word is they're playing the waiting game, watching the Senate wrangle a hefty stack of legislation. Reps are ready to jump in if any final bills need their stamp of approval before everyone heads home.

Senate Swamped with Local Bills

Across the hall, the Senate is plowing through a 10-page calendar, mainly packed with local bills that originated in the House. Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) is emphasizing the importance of getting these local measures – we're talking around 50! – across the finish line. The Senate started using cloture to try and speed things up.

Contentious Bills Still in the Mix

But it’s not all smooth sailing. A few thorny bills are still causing headaches.

One to watch is HB202, part of Governor Kay Ivey’s anti-crime package. This bill aims to beef up legal protections for law enforcement, but it's facing strong opposition from Democrats, including State Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro), who’s hinting at more amendments.

Governor Ivey's Priorities

HB202 is a big deal for Governor Ivey, along with HB188 – a less controversial proposal that would create a scholarship program for law enforcement officers and their families. HB188 is still waiting for that final Senate vote.

Archives Board Battle

Another sticking point is SB5, which proposes changes to the Alabama Department of Archives and History Board. The House tweaked the bill, removing Senate confirmation for board appointments, and now it's back in the Senate, where a filibuster could be brewing.

House's Strategy: Wait and See

The absence of a special order calendar from the House suggests they're not planning to push through any new legislation unless absolutely necessary.

Cloture Commences

Around 2:30 p.m., the Alabama Senate started invoking cloture on the first bill of the day, which is a one-bill-at-a-time type of process.