LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

The Alabama Legislature is in the final stretch of the 2025 Legislative Session. Days 26 and 27 are now complete, with three possible legislative days remaining. This week included two session days and committee meetings on Wednesday. At this point in the session, any bill that has not passed its house of origin is considered dead, as a minimum of five days is required to pass a bill through both chambers. Consequently, very few new bills were introduced. To date, 620 bills have been introduced in the House of Representatives and 347 in the Senate. The Legislature is expected to meet for two days next week and return the following week for the final legislative day.

Two significant bills were debated in committee this week and are now awaiting final consideration. One involves major changes to the Board of Pardons and Paroles, including expanding the board, requiring Senate confirmation of members, and increasing oversight of rules and regulations. This legislation stems from recommendations made by the Legislative Prison Oversight Committee following numerous hearings. The other bill drawing extended debate would expand immunity protections for law enforcement officers.

There was a noticeable slowdown this week as the urgency to pass legislation collided with prolonged debate over several controversial issues. On Tuesday, legislators worked late into the night and returned early Wednesday morning for committee meetings. Despite the delays, the $3.7 billion General Fund budget passed out of the Senate, and the $12.1 billion Education Trust Fund budget was sent to the Governor for her signature.

Another notable bill, HB 53, passed out of the House of Representatives. It updates and codifies several aspects of existing custody laws.

Additionally, House Joint Resolution 163 (HJR 163), sponsored by Judge Jim Hill, was signed by Governor Ivey. The resolution establishes a Court Cost Commission and received unanimous support in both chambers. This measure is a key step in ongoing efforts to examine the lack of uniformity in court costs and to address the increasing use of those costs as a revenue source for non-judicial entities.

There are many criminal justice-related bills under consideration. Please refer to the tracking below for a complete list. Any miscellaneous legislation may be found under the civil category.

As always, the Alabama State Bar encourages all members to be aware of legislation that may impact court costs and fees. Access to justice is a priority. Please be aware of advertisements that may be occurring for local bills and those that may already be filed to use the courts as a fundraiser for non-court entities. We encourage you to be informed and notify us as well.

LEGISLATIVE TRACKING

The Alabama State Bar provides legislative status reports concerning pending legislation that may be of interest to our members. The reports divide legislation into the following categories for your convenience: civil/general, court costs, criminal, domestic relations, elections ethics, and government relations (EEGR), judiciary, and tax.

You can find our comprehensive updated bill-tracking spreadsheet here.

Look Up A Specific Bill Here

LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

The 2025 regular session of the Alabama Legislature will continue as follows:

• The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday, May 6, at 2:00 p.m.
• The House has adjourned until Tuesday, May 6, at 1:00 p.m.