Alabama's Session: Death Penalty, Budgets, and More

0:00Alabama's 2026 legislative session is hitting its final days, with lawmakers from both parties pushing hard to pass bills before heading to the campaign trail. Governor Kay Ivey already signed a major one, expanding the death penalty to cover child sex crimes, plus laws boosting emergency resources statewide. And changing how utility rates get set and reviewed, budgets are moving fast too. A $12 billion education trust fund package and a $3.7 billion general fund have cleared the legislature but still need the governor's okay. A few partisan measures passed, like one recognizing the Gulf of America rename, and another requiring 10 commandments displays in public schools from. Fifth, through 12th grade. Lawmakers are mixed on the session's wins. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniel called it productive overall, but lamented no real push on affordability or stay lottery, especially in this. Election year. Critics like Representative Maryland Lance say too much focus stray from hungry kids, mental health, and everyday struggles facing families.

1:08Looking ahead, the House agenda for Tuesday includes a bill mandating abstinence only sex education in schools, and a pilot for photo speed enforcement. In highway work zones, the Senate hasn't shared his list yet, but they'll need to weigh in on House bills. With just days left until the session wraps on April 9th, eyes are on what lands on Ivy's desk, and how these changes shape Alabama moving forward. That's your Birmingham News today update, AI powered and always on.