Capitol Connection l February 6, 2026

February 6, 2026

Sound Science Legislation Passes House Ag, Forestry Committee

Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, defended SB 71 before the House Agriculture & Forestry Committee, chaired by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, Feb. 5.

Legislation to require state environmental regulations to be based on sound science-based standards advanced in the Legislature this week.

SB 71 by Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, would restrict state agencies from adopting environmental protection rules that are more stringent than federal standards. This would apply to specific areas, such as drinking water and air quality, to ensure the best available science is used when setting environmental standards. A companion bill, HB 162, is being carried by Rep. Troy Stubbs, R-Wetumpka, in the House.

SB 71 was passed by the Senate Tuesday and was reported favorably out of the House Agriculture & Forestry Committee Thursday. Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, made a motion for favorable report which was seconded by Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale. The bill awaits a full House vote.

Chesteen praised the legislation as pro-business that protects state interests.

"SB 71 is a commonsense bill that keeps regulatory decisions based on facts, not the far-left agenda that nearly put farmers out of business and tied the hands of the job creators who power our economy," Chesteen said. "President Trump is sending power back to the states, and Alabama is using it to protect our families, businesses and way of life."

These bills follow efforts by the Trump Administration to prevent burdensome environmental regulations that fall outside federal standards from being enacted. The Alabama Farmers Federation supports this legislation.

FarmPAC-Endorsed Candidate Wins Special Election, Sworn Into House

Newly elected Rep. Kristin Nelson from Chambers County was sworn in to the Alabama House Feb. 5. She is pictured with her family and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville (center).

Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidate Kristin Nelson was victorious in a special election for House District 38 Tuesday night.

Nelson was sworn into the Alabama House Thursday following her election. She was endorsed for the special general election, which she won with 85% of the votes.

HD 38 covers parts of Chambers and Lee counties. Chambers County Farmers Federation President Jason McKay said Nelson would “ensure District 38 gets the attention it needs in the business and agricultural arenas.”

Lee County Farmers Federation President Robert Walters praised Nelson’s conservative beliefs and said she would represent the district well.

Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said his team looks forward to working with Nelson to advance farmer-first legislation.

“Rep. Nelson comes from an agriculture-and forestry-heavy district, and her knowledge of these industries will be invaluable to supporting Alabama farmers through the Legislature,” Hardin said.

Nelson said she appreciates farmer support.

“The farmers of this district and I share the same strong work ethic and conservative values,” Nelson said. “It is an honor to have their support and to be able to represent them and all the people of this district in Montgomery.”

Nelson and her husband, Jeff, have two teenage sons. They reside in the Huguley community.

Federation Members Appointed to Alabama Historical Commission

Cherokee County's Shelley East (left) and Perry County's Cooper Holmes were appointed to the Alabama Historical Commission.

Alabama Farmers Federation leaders were appointed to the Alabama Historical Commission this week.

Federation State Women's Leadership Committee member Shelley East was appointed to fill the Federation's spot on the commission. East is a member of the Cherokee County Farmers Federation and chair of the Cherokee County Women's Leadership Committee. She is a nurse at Sand Rock Middle School.

Perry County Farmers Federation President Cooper Holmes was also appointed as a member-at-large. Holmes is a graduate of A.L.F.A. Leaders Class IV.

East and Holmes will serve six-year terms.

Elmore County Hosts Legislative Breakfast

Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, (right) visited with local farmers during the Elmore County Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Committee legislative breakfast Feb. 2.

The Elmore County Farmers Federation (ECFF) Women’s Leadership Committee welcomed elected officials to a legislative breakfast Feb. 2.

This event allowed ECFF members to visit with lawmakers to discuss the regular session and show support. Attendees included Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville; Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road; Rep. Troy Stubbs, R-Wetumpka; and Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road.

Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin praised the committee for creating an opportunity for ECFF members to interact with local leaders.

“We encourage all county Farmers Federations across the state to invite legislators to your meetings and events, or visit them in Montgomery,” Hardin said. “It’s important for elected officials to hear the concerns of farmers while also sharing what they’re doing in support of Alabama agriculture.”

Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, (left) and Rep. Troy Stubbs, R-Wetumpka, shared their efforts in the House to support Alabama farmers.

Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, (left) and Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, visited with farmers and discussed the Senate's role in promoting agriculture.

Bills in Brief

Utility Tax Exemption: HB 244 by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, would amend Alabama’s utility gross receipts tax and utility service tax statutes to exclude the use or purchase of natural gas and electricity consumed as fuel or energy in commercial greenhouses, pivot irrigation systems and poultry houses from these taxes. SB 159 by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, is a companion bill. The Alabama Farmers Federation supports this legislation and encourages members to contact their representatives and senators to express support.

Driver License Exams: HB 88 by Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Killen, would mandate driver license exams be administered in English only. The Alabama Farmers Federation expresses concerns over this bill due to the unintended consequences this could have on foreign guest workers on farms through the H-2A program. The bill was carried over in the House Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Feb. 4.

State Forester Role and Benefits: HB 267 by Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville, would update the governance and operational procedures of the Alabama Forestry Commission. This bill particularly refines the role and benefits of the state forester, removing the commission’s authority to appoint forest law enforcement officers and enhances regulations around prescribed burns and fire prevention. The legislation also appeals multiple outdated provisions and aims to modernize forestry regulation and fire management. The bill passed the House Feb. 5 and goes to the Senate for approval.

Farm-to-Food Bank Credit: HB 175 By Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, would establish an income tax credit incentive for farmers who donate edible products to qualifying food banks. The bill was reported out of the House Ways & Means Education Committee Feb. 4 and is expected to be voted on by the full House Feb. 10.

Judicial Deference Revisal: SB 167 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would modify the judicial review process of agency rulings, ending judicial deference. This bill would provide courts greater authority to independently interpret laws and regulations without automatically deferring to state agency interpretations. This bill is predicated on the 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo which overruled Chevron deference, ending federal judicial deference to state agencies. SB 167 was passed by the Senate Feb. 5 and awaits action in the House.

Rural Hospital Investment Updates: Act 2026-34 by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, would amend the Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program to enhance oversight, expand the definition of utility tax eligible for tax credits and modify board composition and administration. The legislation passed the Senate Feb. 3 and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey Feb. 4.