Friday Five: March 8, 2024
The Alabama Legislature is in session, and Peritus PR is back with our fan-favorite #FridayFive legislative highlights series.
Every Friday, we’ll delve into the legislative “specials” of the week to help you digest the issues legislators have been chewing on at the Alabama State House. Grab your fork and knife, and dig into some of the bills that were introduced, debated, passed, failed or signed this week.
If you’re hungry for more, get the full course with our 2024 Alabama Legislative Guide.
THIS WEEK’S FRIDAY FIVE
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After a period of uncertainty for families undergoing fertility treatment in Alabama, the state legislature passed a bill to restore access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), with Gov. Ivey swiftly signing it into law. The legislation provides legal immunity to patients and clinics during IVF procedures, aiming to address concerns raised by a recent state Supreme Court ruling that classified embryos as children. While the bill allows IVF treatments to resume, there's ongoing debate about its breadth of protection and the need for long-term solutions to address the fundamental issues raised by the court ruling.
Read more: Alabama bill to protect IVF signed into law by governor (ABC News)
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The CHOOSE Act was signed into law by Gov. Ivey this week, establishing a voucher-like program aimed at improving educational opportunities for students, particularly those in struggling schools. The bill allows households with school-age children to claim tax credits of up to $7,000 for certain education expenses, such as private school tuition or tutoring. Initially, the program is limited to families below a certain income threshold, with priority given to lower-income households and special needs students. However, there are concerns about how it may impact public school funding, with opponents concerned that the bill will only worsen conditions at Alabama public schools by taking funding that could address ongoing struggles.
Read more: CHOOSE Act passes Alabama Senate; governor signs bill into law (WSFA 12 News)
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The Alabama Senate approved gambling legislation from the House, but made significant changes, removing provisions for casino gaming and sports wagering while keeping the lottery intact. There was heated debate over the distribution of revenues, with the Senate removing provisions for mental health and rural health programs. Ongoing discussions are expected as the revised bill heads back to the House.
Read more: Alabama Senate passes stripped-down gambling legislation (Alabama Reflector)
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The Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation banning state-funded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, despite Democratic opposition. SB 129 prohibits public entities from promoting or requiring participation in DEI programs. It also would prohibit state schools from allowing individuals to use a restroom that is different from their sex as assigned at birth. Democrats argued that DEI programs aim to address inequities, while Republicans claimed they are ineffective and costly. The bill's passage sparked disappointment among Democrats, who anticipate legal challenges and fear negative economic consequences for the state. The bill has also been unpopular amongst college students throughout the state, with many choosing to protest the bill outside the Montgomery State House.
The Alabama Senate must now agree to the amendments made to the bill in the House before the bill goes to Gov. Ivey for her signature.
Read more: Alabama House passes bill that would impact diversity programs, college bathrooms (AL.com)
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Alabama lawmakers are considering expanding the state's "Don't Say Gay" law, which currently restricts discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in K-5 classrooms. HB 130 would additionally restrict discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in middle and high school classrooms. Supporters argue the expansion is aimed at preventing what they perceive as the indoctrination of youth, while opponents argue it creates a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and restricts free speech, questioning its subjective language and potential impact on students' rights and safety. The discussion will continue in the coming weeks.
Read more: Alabama lawmakers push to expand ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law to all grades (AL.com)
OUR PUBLISHED BY PERITUS TAKEAWAY
Like curating your perfect plate at Nana’s Thanksgiving, we all have the right to saddle up to the table with our idea of what’s right for Alabama. With this legislative menu in hand, it’s time to decide what is going to hit the spot for our communities, our organizations and our lives.
Our team has brewed the perfect pairing with our #ALPolitics Guide, helping you identify and contact the representatives serving as head chefs in your communities’ kitchens, explore media resources to keep you informed throughout the session and bridge the gap between policymakers and your community’s table.
Whet your appetite for a better Alabama — we will see ya here next Friday!
At Peritus Public Relations, we know you want to make an impact. To do that you need confidence and clarity to take action. Tell us what’s keeping you up at night and stop letting fear of a misstep get in the way of driving your mission forward. We believe you deserve to get it right. For over a decade, organizations like yours have trusted us to navigate the best path forward.
Peritus specializes in issue advocacy, stakeholder engagement, government affairs and strategic consulting. Let’s connect if you want to learn more about how state policy affects your mission and bottom line.
Check out the 2024 Peritus PR Alabama Legislative Guide here.