2026 Legislative Session: What to Expect & Bills Already on the Move
January 19, 2026 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
The 2026 Regular Session of The Alabama Legislature has begun, and as always, with multiple issues debated, bills discussed and voted on and legislation signed into law, the next few months promise to be interesting, and we hope, positive for the state and all Alabamians. As always, The Bloom Group will be on the ground, at the State House and all over the capital city, meeting with key decision makers and monitoring policy and legislation throughout, and each Monday, via our weekly Group Watch newsletter, we’ll report some of this session’s happenings, recapping events, while also looking ahead to share what we think could happen in the weeks to come. So watch your inbox. Now, onto the first Group Watch of 2026.
“State of the State” Hits High Notes & Legislators Look Ahead
To kickoff the 2026 regular session, Governor Ivey delivered her ninth and final annual “state of the state” address last Tuesday evening, sharing her agenda and priority issues, while also looking back at her historic time leading the state for a decade. She stressed accomplishments made, including expansion of broadband access, progress in education and multiple economic development wins. She also looked head, naming continued emphasis on public safety and additional healthcare improvements for rural Alabama, and increased funding for the CHOOSE Act, among the things she wants out of the legislature. She also announced a 2 percent pay raise for Alabama teachers. Read her full speech here. Read her full speech here.
On Wednesday, Alabama lawmakers gathered to set goals as well. During Alabama Daily News’ annual legislative breakfast, legislative leaders including Senate President Pro Tem, Garlan Gudger, House Speaker Nathanial Ledbetter and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels. All three agreed on one thing: The desire to move quickly and efficiently to ensure the legislature effectively addresses the people’s main concerns. That means affordability, jobs and job training and education top the list.
Ledbetter pointed to coming bills to expand career technical education. Bills to tie funding for higher education to specific metrics, including graduation numbers, are expected too. Legislation addressing crime will likely appear this session as well. A bill making the death penalty a possible punishment for any adult found guilty of sexual torture, rape or sodomy of a child under 12, cleared House Judiciary Committee last week.
And some proposals from last session will make repeat appearances, including bill to make smartphone apps verify users ages that failed to pass last year. Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, notes he’s bringing back the exact same bill but says he is open to modifying it. There have been almost 200 bills filed so far, and of course, bills to create the general fund and education trust fund budgets are among them. See a detailed list here.
Bill to Make Alabama Roads Safer Proposed
If it becomes law, HB88 will require the written and oral and on-the-road aspects of the test taken to receive an Alabama drivers’ license to be exclusively in English, with the use of translators and translating devices prohibited. Proponents say safety is the issue at stake, and point to the need to read road signs and other instructions, which are in English, to ensure safe-driving conditions.
AL House Passes Bill Protecting Elections Integrity
Last Thursday, the Alabama House passed legislation mandating audits be conducted by probate judges after every statewide and county election with a 75-25 vote.. Rep. Joe Lovvorn, R-Auburn, who sponsored the bill, stresses the measure is not intended to overturn results but rather to pinpoint issues with elections, such as problems with voting machines. Supporters say the bill will increase the people’s confidence in Alabama’s election system. Detractors say it’s not needed, with few voting and election errors being reported in the state, and questioned the cost of implementation. Read more here.
The Bloom Group Says Goodbye to Beloved Associate
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one of our great associates, John Guthrie Jr. A great coworker and an even better friend, his presence in our firm, in the State House, and around Montgomery will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Since his career began in 1992, John worked tirelessly to serve his clients and make the State of Alabama a better place. At his funeral, former Alabama Governor Jim Folsom Jr. called John “a good ole boy and also a really good man.” We couldnt’ agree more, and we ask for prayers for his family and close friends during this time.
Session Week 1 Quick Hits
Below are links to more details on other important announcements, bills and issues worth watching and news to know.
We’ve Moved
The Bloom Group has moved its offices. We’re now strategizing, solution-finding and doing whatever’s needed to best represent our clients and and their interests at:
770 Washington Ave., Ste 117
Montgomery, AL 36104
Please update our address in your contact list.
Post of the Month
Meet The Bloom Group: (left to right) John Guthrie Jr., Harris Sanderson, Stephanie Norrell, Hal Bloom (principal/founder), Allen Sanderson (principal), Sara Elizabeth Burnham (vice president), James Dupree Jr., John Floyd.