The Alabama House of Representatives has passed the 2026 General Fund Budget and its supplemental appropriation.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, issued the following statement.
“It’s no coincidence that the state is in a position to meet its financial commitments and make meaningful investments while carrying little to no debt year-over-year,” said Speaker Ledbetter. “This achievement is the result of 16 years of conservative governance focused on ensuring every dollar of taxpayer money is spent effectively and responsibly. Our budgeting process is calculated, transparent, and guided by the principle of not spending every dollar that comes in. I commend Rep. Reynolds and the members of the House for their work in developing the state’s financial plan for 2026 and setting Alabama up for continued success.”
Key General Fund Budget Highlights include:
- Site Evaluation Economic Development Strategy Program – $18 million
- ALEA – $2.5 million for Capitol Police and $3 million for the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit
- Department of Mental Health – $244,467,967, plus $8 million increase for community mental health beds
- Airport Development Grants – increased by $7.5 million to $15 million
- Port of Mobile – increased to $3 million
Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, who chairs the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee, touted the Legislature’s streak of passing balanced budgets and stressed the importance of funding government with sustainability in mind.
“With the passage of the 2026 General Fund Budget, Alabama is extending its 16-year streak of funding government in a responsible, cost-effective manner, ensuring our state remains on solid financial footing,” said Rep. Reynolds. “Sustainability is always my priority when developing the budget—we must make decisions that the state can afford not only now but, in the future, as well. While high interest rates are driving revenue growth in state accounts, that will not always be the case, which is why we must continue to approach this process from a fiscally conservative standpoint.”
Other budget bills moving with the General Fund and Supplemental include:
- HB184 by Rep. Hall – Coalition Against Domestic Violence, appropriation, operations plan an audited financial statement required, quarterly and end-of-year reports required.
- HB183 by Rep. Warren – Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2, Code of Alabama 1975 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt.
- HB181 by Rep. Underwood – Alabama Building Renovation Finance Authority Bill.
- HB312 by Rep. Lee – Hospitals, private hospital assessment and Medicaid funding program extended for fiscal year 2028.
- HB405 by Rep. Blackshear – Nursing facilities, privilege assessments and surcharge on each nursing home bed assessment extended, to August 31, 2028.
- HB182 by Rep. Reynolds – Emergency medical transport providers, assessment period extended.
- HB460 by Rep. Reynolds – Appropriations, supplemental appropriations from the Opioid Treatment and Abatement Fund for the fiscal year ending Sep. 30, 2025.
