The Alabama Legislature has been actively advancing a series of bills during the third week of its 2025 session, focusing on public safety, healthcare, law enforcement accountability, and social policies. While some measures aim to enhance support for veterans and law enforcement families, others have sparked debate over potential impacts on public trust and economic stability.
Legislation Signed into Law
SB79 – “What Is a Woman?” Act
Governor Kay Ivey has signed Senate Bill 79 (SB79), known as the “What Is a Woman?” Act, which defines gender based solely on biological sex at birth. Proponents argue that the law provides clarity for legal and administrative matters, while critics contend it marginalizes transgender individuals and could face legal challenges. The law is set to take effect on Oct. 1, 2025.
SB70 – Alabama Veterans Resource Center
Another enacted measure, Senate Bill 70 (SB70), establishes the Alabama Veterans Resource Center. This center aims to serve as a comprehensive hub for the state’s more than 400,000 veterans, offering access to healthcare, employment assistance, and mental health resources. The bill received bipartisan support and was signed into law on Feb. 27, 2025.
Bills Advancing Through the Legislature
HB202 – Back the Blue Legal Protection Act
House Bill 202 (HB202), introduced by Representative Rex Reynolds, seeks to expand legal protections for law enforcement officers. The bill proposes enhanced civil liability protections, shielding officers from lawsuits unless they acted “recklessly without law enforcement justification” or violated a person’s clearly established rights. Additionally, it offers immunity from criminal prosecution for on-duty use of force, provided constitutional rights against excessive force are not violated. The bill is currently under consideration in the House Judiciary Committee.
SB93 and SB99 – Prescription Dispensing Fee Legislation
Two bills, Senate Bill 93 (SB93) and Senate Bill 99 (SB99), propose imposing a $10.64 dispensing fee on every prescription filled in Alabama. SB93 ties the fee to the current Medicaid dispensing fee, while SB99 includes the $10.64 fee plus an additional 2 percent of the drug’s cost or $25, whichever is less. Supporters argue these measures aim to ensure fair reimbursement for pharmacies, particularly independent ones. However, opponents, including the Alliance of Alabama Healthcare Consumers, warn that these fees could lead to increased costs for consumers and employers, potentially adding an estimated $900 per person annually. Both bills are currently under review in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
Politically Motivated Bills
SB63 – Immigrant Biometric Data Collection
Senate Bill 63 (SB63), sponsored by Senator Lance Bell, requires law enforcement agencies in Alabama to collect and submit fingerprints and DNA from undocumented immigrants in custody before release. Critics argue that this bill threatens individual privacy and could lead to unconstitutional racial profiling, disproportionately affecting immigrant communities. The bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting further consideration in the House.
HB231 – Mandatory School Prayer
House Bill 231 (HB231) proposes requiring public schools, grades K-12, to implement a daily prayer. Schools that do not comply could face penalties, including the loss of 25 percent of their education funding. Critics express concern that the legislation could punish schools by withholding vital resources if they refuse to institute such a policy, and that it may violate the separation of church and state. The bill has passed through the House State Government Committee and is headed to the full House for consideration.
Looking Ahead
As the legislative session progresses, these bills will continue to undergo scrutiny from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and the public. The outcomes of debates over law enforcement accountability, healthcare costs, immigration policies, and social issues will significantly influence Alabama’s political and social landscape in the coming months.
