Alabama Reflector
@alabamareflector.com
The Alabama Reflector is an independent, nonprofit news outlet dedicated to covering state government and politics in the state of Alabama.
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My column from Monday. Alabama politicians give voters little but paranoia and niche right-wing issues, which may be why just 37% of voters turned up for the last midterm in 2022. Those politicians who truly want to make a government for Alabama have to restore Alabamians’ faith in the process.
A better Alabama government requires a bigger Alabama electorate | Alabama Reflector
What Alabama voters want is not necessarily what Alabamians want. Because in state elections, most Alabamians don't vote.
alabamareflector.com
January 31, 2026 at 3:25 PM
My column from Monday. Alabama politicians give voters little but paranoia and niche right-wing issues, which may be why just 37% of voters turned up for the last midterm in 2022. Those politicians who truly want to make a government for Alabama have to restore Alabamians’ faith in the process.
Via Elisha Brown: Even though many legislative sessions only just convened across the country this month, efforts to restrict access to abortion pills are in full swing, particularly in states that already ban abortion. https://ow.ly/OGFH50Y64kO
January 31, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Via Elisha Brown: Even though many legislative sessions only just convened across the country this month, efforts to restrict access to abortion pills are in full swing, particularly in states that already ban abortion. https://ow.ly/OGFH50Y64kO
Via Shauneen Miranda: The release, which in the 3 million pages includes more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, comes more than 40 days after the agency was legally required to release the full set of files involving the disgraced financier, in compliance with federal law.
DOJ releases 3 million pages of Epstein files, taking in 180,000 images and 2,000 videos | Alabama Reflector
The release, which in the 3 million pages includes more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, comes more than 40 days after the agency was legally required to release the full set of files involving the disgraced financier, in compliance with federal law.
alabamareflector.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Via Shauneen Miranda: The release, which in the 3 million pages includes more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, comes more than 40 days after the agency was legally required to release the full set of files involving the disgraced financier, in compliance with federal law.
Via Ralph Chapoco: A former Republican state representative is challenging a former Republican party chair’s bid for the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor, alleging John Wahl does not meet residency requirements for the office. https://ow.ly/INzB50Y6u6x
January 30, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Via Ralph Chapoco: A former Republican state representative is challenging a former Republican party chair’s bid for the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor, alleging John Wahl does not meet residency requirements for the office. https://ow.ly/INzB50Y6u6x
Via Jennifer Shutt: The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on immigration enforcement.
With US Senate still tied up over spending deal, partial shutdown begins at midnight | Alabama Reflector
The Senate will not be able to pass the reworked government funding package before a midnight deadline unless all of its members agree to speed up the vote.
alabamareflector.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Via Jennifer Shutt: The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on immigration enforcement.
Via Anna Barrett and Andrea Tinker: Here's our round-up of bills that passed the Alabama Legislature this week.
What passed in the Alabama Legislature: Jan. 27-29, 2026 | Alabama Reflector
Here is a list of bills that passed the Alabama Legislature from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29, the third week of the 2026 regular session.
alabamareflector.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Via Anna Barrett and Andrea Tinker: Here's our round-up of bills that passed the Alabama Legislature this week.
Via Jacob Fischler: A poll published Thursday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF found Americans feel their health care costs are rising faster than household expenses and hold President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans responsible. https://ow.ly/7zp850Y63OT
January 30, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Via Jacob Fischler: A poll published Thursday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF found Americans feel their health care costs are rising faster than household expenses and hold President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans responsible. https://ow.ly/7zp850Y63OT
The Alabama House of Representatives Thursday approved a bill removing a 1965 mandate from the Code of Alabama requiring the University of Alabama to have a stand alone school for Social Work. https://ow.ly/HKGX50Y5FWj
January 30, 2026 at 2:02 PM
The Alabama House of Representatives Thursday approved a bill removing a 1965 mandate from the Code of Alabama requiring the University of Alabama to have a stand alone school for Social Work. https://ow.ly/HKGX50Y5FWj
Via Andrea Tinker: The Alabama House Thursday approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Pleasant Grove, that would criminalize smoking marijuana in a car with a child present after an unusual, intra-Democratic debate on the floor over the bill's consequences. https://ow.ly/bxZw50Y5J0e
January 30, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Via Andrea Tinker: The Alabama House Thursday approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Pleasant Grove, that would criminalize smoking marijuana in a car with a child present after an unusual, intra-Democratic debate on the floor over the bill's consequences. https://ow.ly/bxZw50Y5J0e
Lawmakers on Thursday morning heard budget requests for fiscal year 2027 from state agencies, despite a level-funded budget proposal from Gov. Kay Ivey. https://ow.ly/7gjx50Y5Hvr
January 30, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Lawmakers on Thursday morning heard budget requests for fiscal year 2027 from state agencies, despite a level-funded budget proposal from Gov. Kay Ivey. https://ow.ly/7gjx50Y5Hvr
Via Anna Claire Vollers and Stateline: As homeschool enrollment has risen in recent years, so have concerns about oversight. Recent high-profile child abuse deaths in several states have led to renewed calls from lawmakers for stronger regulations. https://ow.ly/rIkB50Y5z6r
January 30, 2026 at 12:05 AM
Via Anna Claire Vollers and Stateline: As homeschool enrollment has risen in recent years, so have concerns about oversight. Recent high-profile child abuse deaths in several states have led to renewed calls from lawmakers for stronger regulations. https://ow.ly/rIkB50Y5z6r
Via Anna Barrett: The Alabama Senate passed a bill banning vaping in all indoor public spaces Thursday afternoon.
Alabama Senate approves ban on vaping in public indoor spaces | Alabama Reflector
The Alabama Senate passed a bill banning vaping in all indoor public spaces Thursday afternoon on a 33-1 vote.
alabamareflector.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Via Anna Barrett: The Alabama Senate passed a bill banning vaping in all indoor public spaces Thursday afternoon.
Via Amanda Watford and Stateline: Crime continued to decline in 2025, with homicides down 21% from 2024 and 44% from a peak in 2021, according to a new analysis of crime trends in 40 large U.S. cities released by the nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice.
January 29, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Via Amanda Watford and Stateline: Crime continued to decline in 2025, with homicides down 21% from 2024 and 44% from a peak in 2021, according to a new analysis of crime trends in 40 large U.S. cities released by the nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice.
Via Ralph Chapoco: Legislators largely seemed receptive to a budget request from the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) during hearings on Thursday.
Alabama legislators appear to accept Corrections budget request | Alabama Reflector
The budget request from the Alabama Department of Corrections will touch almost $900 million, roughly the same as last year.
alabamareflector.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Via Ralph Chapoco: Legislators largely seemed receptive to a budget request from the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) during hearings on Thursday.
Via Jennifer Shutt and Ariana Figueroa: The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package Thursday, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown as Democrats press for restrictions on immigration enforcement.
US Senate fails to advance spending package, with partial shutdown looming Friday night | Alabama Reflector
The 45-55 vote needed at least 60 senators to agree to move forward with debate on the six appropriations bills that have been bundled together ahead of a Friday midnight deadline.
alabamareflector.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Via Jennifer Shutt and Ariana Figueroa: The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package Thursday, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown as Democrats press for restrictions on immigration enforcement.
Via Anna Barrett: An Alabama Senate committee Wednesday heard but did not vote on a bill that would require all hospital emergency departments to have a physician on site at all times. https://ow.ly/GCMZ50Y58EF
January 29, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Via Anna Barrett: An Alabama Senate committee Wednesday heard but did not vote on a bill that would require all hospital emergency departments to have a physician on site at all times. https://ow.ly/GCMZ50Y58EF
Via Ralph Chapoco: An Alabama House committee Wednesday approved a bill allowing local law enforcement to enter into agreements with federal agencies to help enforce immigration laws. But it’s unclear how the measure differs from an existing federal program that does that. https://ow.ly/vQCR50Y5a3Y
January 29, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Via Ralph Chapoco: An Alabama House committee Wednesday approved a bill allowing local law enforcement to enter into agreements with federal agencies to help enforce immigration laws. But it’s unclear how the measure differs from an existing federal program that does that. https://ow.ly/vQCR50Y5a3Y
Via Andrea Tinker: An Alabama Senate committee Wednesday passed a bill that would require app store providers to have an age verification system for minors. https://ow.ly/VsQI50Y58Rl
January 29, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Via Andrea Tinker: An Alabama Senate committee Wednesday passed a bill that would require app store providers to have an age verification system for minors. https://ow.ly/VsQI50Y58Rl
Via Ralph Chapoco: Legislators told an Alabama Department of Corrections official Wednesday that they were concerned by reports that inmates were not getting access to rehabilitation programs in a timely manner.
Rehabilitation service delays in Alabama prisons draw criticism from lawmakers | Alabama Reflector
Lawmakers and attendees criticized ADOC about ongoing delays for people receiving substance abuse treatment while in prison.
alabamareflector.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Via Ralph Chapoco: Legislators told an Alabama Department of Corrections official Wednesday that they were concerned by reports that inmates were not getting access to rehabilitation programs in a timely manner.
HB 290, sponsored by Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, is slightly different from federal law. The federal law considers a bathroom to be a “reasonable” location, but Givan’s bill specifies the location to be a room other than a bathroom.
Alabama House committee approves bill requiring job accommodations for breastfeeding mothers | Alabama Reflector
An Alabama House committee approved a bill that would require companies that have more than 50 employers to give breastfeeding mothers time and space to breastfeed.
alabamareflector.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:49 PM
HB 290, sponsored by Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, is slightly different from federal law. The federal law considers a bathroom to be a “reasonable” location, but Givan’s bill specifies the location to be a room other than a bathroom.
Via Ralph Chapoco: The bill comes amid ongoing attacks by Alabama conservatives and right-wing organizations on library content, particularly books with LGBTQ+ characters and themes.
Alabama Senate bill would allow counties and cities to fire library boards | Alabama Reflector
The bill concerns First Amendment rights groups and library advocates out of fear that members could be terminated over politics.
alabamareflector.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:33 PM
Via Ralph Chapoco: The bill comes amid ongoing attacks by Alabama conservatives and right-wing organizations on library content, particularly books with LGBTQ+ characters and themes.
Via Andrea Tinker: SB 88 would prevent the Division of Construction Management (DCM), located in the Department of Finance, from conducting inspections on school projects costing less than $750,000 for Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and fire and safety compliance.
Senate committee OKs bill exempting some K-12, higher ed construction projects from inspections | Alabama Reflector
The bill would allow K-12 and higher education institutions to not be inspected by the state for construction projects under $750,000.
alabamareflector.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Via Andrea Tinker: SB 88 would prevent the Division of Construction Management (DCM), located in the Department of Finance, from conducting inspections on school projects costing less than $750,000 for Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and fire and safety compliance.
Via Amanda Watford and Stateline: As lawmakers convene for this year’s state legislative sessions, immigration has surged to the top of the agenda. Dozens of bills touching on immigration enforcement, civil rights and the role of federal agents have been introduced. https://ow.ly/Z6WA50Y4YmV
January 28, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Via Amanda Watford and Stateline: As lawmakers convene for this year’s state legislative sessions, immigration has surged to the top of the agenda. Dozens of bills touching on immigration enforcement, civil rights and the role of federal agents have been introduced. https://ow.ly/Z6WA50Y4YmV
Via Jennifer Shutt: U.S. Capitol Police investigated a drastic increase in threats against members of Congress and their staffs last year, looking into nearly 15,000 statements, behaviors and communications.
Attack on US Rep. Ilhan Omar follows major uptick in threats against members of Congress | Alabama Reflector
U.S. Capitol Police investigated a drastic increase in threats against members of Congress and their staffs last year, looking into nearly 15,000 statements, behaviors and communications.
alabamareflector.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Via Jennifer Shutt: U.S. Capitol Police investigated a drastic increase in threats against members of Congress and their staffs last year, looking into nearly 15,000 statements, behaviors and communications.
Via Andrea Tinker: The Alabama House of Representatives Tuesday approved a bill that would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty for those convicted of sexual assault of a child under the age of 12. https://ow.ly/Kmi250Y4Eny
January 28, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Via Andrea Tinker: The Alabama House of Representatives Tuesday approved a bill that would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty for those convicted of sexual assault of a child under the age of 12. https://ow.ly/Kmi250Y4Eny