A federal court has struck down Alabama’s 2023 congressional map, ruling that it was enacted with “intentional racial discrimination” and violates both the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. The decision clears the way for continued use of a court-ordered map that enabled two Black lawmakers to win seats in Congress. The remedial map adopted for the 2024 cycle was drawn by a special master appointed by the court. The Alabama Political Reporter notes that for the first time, Alabama voters elected two Black representatives to Congress. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell was re-elected, and U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures won his seat in a newly redrawn district designed to comply with the Voting Rights Act.
Gov. Kay Ivey signed a record $12.1 billion education package this week. It includes $375 million for high-needs schools and increases investments in literacy and numeracy efforts, as well as nearly doubling funding for the CHOOSE Act, a new program that gives families tax credits to spend on private education. AL.com reports the governor also approved a $3.7 billion General Fund budget, which supports Medicaid, prisons, state troopers, courts and other non-education agencies. That’s up 10%, or about $350 million, from last year.
Governor Ivey signed House Bill 165 into law this week, officially establishing Juneteenth as a permanent state holiday in Alabama. The legislation ensures that state offices will close each year on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. According to the Alabama Political Reporter, previous efforts to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday failed in part due to proposals to combine it with Confederate-linked holidays, including Jefferson Davis’ Birthday. HB165 avoids that controversy by establishing Juneteenth as a standalone holiday.
Alabama lawmakers gave final passage this week to a bill to exempt diapers, baby formula, feminine hygiene products, and other items from the state sales tax. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 34-0. AL.com reports the exemption from the 4% state sales tax would save taxpayers an estimated $13 million a year. The House passed the bill in March. It now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey, who can sign it into law. If the governor signs the bill, it will take effect Sept. 1, 2025 and will expire Aug, 31, 2028.
Alabama lawmakers also gave final passage this week to a bill restricting student cell phone use in public schools. The bill requires all school districts to adopt a policy by July 1 banning student cell phone use during the instructional day. There are some exceptions The Freeing Our Children from Unnecessary Screens for Safety, or FOCUS Act, mandates that students store phones in lockers, cars, or other designated areas during the school day. The Alabama Daily News reports the bill was a priority for Gov. Kay Ivey, who is expected to sign it into law.
The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that raised the age of medical consent from 14 to 16. SB 101, sponsored by Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, would require parental consent for medical, dental, and mental health services for minors under 16 and prohibit health care providers and governmental entities from denying parents access to a child’s health record. The Alabama Reflector reports the bill provides several exemptions to the age of consent requirement. Minors under 16 who are pregnant or emancipated can make their own medical decisions. Minors under 16 can also consent to services related to sexually transmitted diseases and alcohol or drug misuse. Health care professionals would also be allowed to provide emergency services without parental consent under specific circumstances.
The Huntsville Music Office and Artemis Music Productions will begin the Summer Sunset Concert Series at Ditto Landing this Tuesday. The concerts will feature live music under every second Tuesday May through August 2025 at the Kingston Pavilion at Ditto Landing. Shows start at 6pm. Admission and parking are free. Food trucks will be on site and you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks.