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All Episodes of Capitol Exchange

Apr 22, 2026

Capitol Exchange, April 17, 2026

The Alabama Legislature has adjourned its 2026 regular session, wrapping up 30 days of work and finalizing the state’s two constitutionally required budgets. Lawmakers approved a record $12.4 billion Education Trust Fund budget, nearly a nine percent increase, bolstered by strong reserves built during recent surplus years. The General Fund budget also saw significant growth, rising to $3.7 billion, supporting core state services such as prisons, Medicaid, law enforcement, and the courts. Together, the budgets reflect a continued focus on fiscal stability and long‑term planning, with both measures clearing the Legislature in the final weeks of the session.

Beyond the budgets, lawmakers advanced a wide-ranging slate of policy changes touching nearly every corner of daily life in Alabama. Public safety legislation strengthened penalties for violent crimes and expanded protections against domestic violence and stalking, while new laws offered modest financial relief through an overtime tax deduction and a temporary grocery sales tax holiday. The session also produced major actions in healthcare, education, workforce development, and energy policy, from rural hospital funding to new graduation requirements and alternative energy initiatives. Most of the newly passed laws take effect October 1, with Governor Kay Ivey calling the session one that “strengthened the foundation of the state for the next generation.”

Bob Nance

Bob Nance

Producer

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