Alabama's Legislative Session: Wrapped Up & Ready!

Governor Kay Ivey just slammed the gavel! "All done!" she declared, signing the last bills from the 2025 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature. Remember her State of the State address back in February? Public safety, veterans, education, family values, and stronger governance were all hot topics then, and guess what? Mission accomplished on pretty much every front!

Public Safety Takes Center Stage

Ivey wasn't kidding when she said public safety was priority number one. She unveiled a whole package of criminal justice and law enforcement goodies, and now they're officially law.

• Bye-Bye Glock Switches: Those nasty trigger-conversion devices that turn pistols into automatic weapons are now a Class C felony to possess statewide.
• Backing the Blue: Police recruitment is getting a boost, and officers are getting extra legal support and scholarships for their families.
• Second Chances: Nonviolent offenders can now seek a review of those pesky habitual-offender sentences.

Education Gets a Refresh

Remember Ivey's call for better school environments? Well, the legislature delivered:

• Phone-Free Learning: Say goodbye to distractions! Cellphones are getting locked away during instructional hours in K-12 schools.
• The FOCUS Act: This aims to amp up school learning environments, tying in with Ivey's push for effective education tools.

Veterans: From Rhetoric to Reality

Inspired by Army veteran Jae Barclay's story, lawmakers revamped how Alabama supports its veterans and their families. It's not just talk anymore – it's law!

Family Values & Social Issues

• "What is a Woman" Act: This defines gender based on biological definitions, a reflection of Ivey's commitment to "Alabama family values."
• Paid Parental Leave: Teachers and state employees, rejoice! You're finally getting paid parental leave.

More Wins: Taxes, Immigration, & the Coast

Ivey kept pushing for tax relief and made sure the state's core functions and education got the funding they deserve.

• Immigration & Elections: The Legislature tightened up immigration enforcement and election security laws.
• Coastal Safety: Officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties now have more power to keep Gulf Coast tourists safe. Sun's out, safety's in!