SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Several key bills addressing issues from sheriff salaries to prenatal care and unregulated THC sales are on the legislative agenda for Huntsville-area lawmakers this session.
State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-District 7) said his top priority is Senate Bill 1, which aims to extend workers’ compensation benefits to education employees.
“Most people don’t realize that teachers (and other education employees) don’t have worker’s compensation insurance for on-the-job injuries,” Givhan told The Huntsville Times.
Givhan, an attorney, also plans to review recommendations from an expert consultant on the state’s ethics laws, which he described as having “flaws” that need fixing. Additionally, he and other Madison County delegation members will file a local bill to raise the county sheriff’s salary to align with counties of similar size.
Regulating ‘Gas Station Drugstores’
Rep. Andy Whitt (R-District 6) is spearheading efforts to regulate THC-infused products such as Delta-8 and Delta-9, which he believes pose serious risks due to their psychoactive effects and lack of oversight.
“Delta-8, Delta-9, and other THC-infused products pose significant risks due to their psychoactive effects, lack of regulation, and accessibility, particularly in Alabama,” Whitt told The Huntsville Times.
He compared the current market to the “Wild West,” where unregulated products are readily available despite potential health risks, especially for minors. Whitt said he is working with the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, the state health department, and law enforcement agencies to draft a bill ensuring tighter regulations on these substances.
Additionally, Whitt is working on legislation to establish the Alabama Development Fund, a program designed to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness.
“The Alabama Development Fund will allow us to benefit from our successes in economic development by providing reliable funding for new programs that will assist business recruitment and job creation efforts across the state,” he said.
Addressing Maternal Health
Rep. Marilyn Lands (D-District 10) is championing House Bill 89, known as the Alabama Maternal Health Care Act, which would grant presumptive Medicaid eligibility to pregnant women, allowing them faster access to prenatal care.
“I’m continuing to look at the maternal health arena,” Lands told The Huntsville Times. “I know presumptive eligibility is a good starting place. But I feel like we need so much more to fully address this issue comprehensively.”
Lands also noted that many women are unaware they may qualify for pregnancy Medicaid, which has different eligibility requirements than standard Medicaid. She is exploring additional measures, including expanding doula care and nutrition programs, as well as launching a public education campaign to raise awareness about available resources.
Public Safety and Cryptocurrency Study
Rep. James Lomax (R-District 20), who co-chaired the Republican Caucus platform committee, said he will focus on advancing his party’s 2025 legislative agenda. A key priority is supporting efforts by Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville) and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter to reduce crime rates in Alabama’s inner cities.
“Speaker Ledbetter made this a priority in the offseason, and many people have put in considerable time studying how to best address it,” Lomax told The Huntsville Times.
Additionally, Lomax is part of a legislative study group examining cryptocurrency regulations across the country. While it remains unclear whether Alabama will take legislative action on the issue this session, he said lawmakers are assessing potential policies for the growing asset class.
As the session progresses, Huntsville-area lawmakers are expected to push forward with these and other legislative priorities impacting education, public safety, economic development, and healthcare.
