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The final two weeks of the legislative session begin Tuesday, March 31, as lawmakers return to Montgomery following spring break. With only six legislative days remaining, the Alabama Farmers Federation is urging members to contact their legislators about the following issues:
Ambulance Coverage Mandate: SB 269, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, would establish payment rates from health insurers to ambulance service companies and require insurers to contract with any willing ambulance provider.
Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said the legislation would shift costs from insurers to consumers, further straining affordability.
"We support rural EMS and finding solutions to health care challenges in these parts of the state, but this bill doesn't do that," Hardin said. "Passing this legislation means increased costs for families already struggling to pay their bills and feed their families. It's not just farmers at risk — this could negatively affect any insurance plan."
SB 269 is on the proposed Special Order Calendar for Tuesday, March 31, in the House. Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, is carrying the legislation alongside a companion bill, HB 400.
Dog Tethering Restrictions: SB 361, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, would make it a crime to keep a dog tied or confined outside except under certain circumstances. The bill also grants broad authority to appointed investigators who are not required to be certified law enforcement officers.
The Federation and Alabama Cattlemen's Association oppose the bill. Federation members are urged to contact their representatives to ask that the bill not be brought up for a vote on the House floor. Talking points can be found here.
"The bill's language is vague and broad, opening the door to further regulation for farmers and landowners," Hardin said. "Many of the bill's requirements are left to interpretation by animal control officers, and it attempts to criminalize humane practices commonplace in rural areas. Farmers are stewards of both the land and the animals in their care, including their dogs. Animal cruelty is already illegal — this bill is another example of government overreach that goes too far and infringes on the rights of private individuals."
SB 361 was reported out of the House Agriculture & Forestry Committee by voice vote despite strong opposition by several committee members March 18. It awaits action on the House floor. Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, is championing the bill while carrying the companion, HB 446.
Utility Tax Exemptions: SB 159, sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, would amend Alabama's utility gross receipts tax and utility service tax statutes to exclude natural gas and electricity consumed as fuel or energy in commercial greenhouses, pivot irrigation systems and poultry houses. An amendment also extends the exemption to catfish production. The bill would sunset August 31, 2029. A companion bill, HB 244, has been introduced by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens.
Both bills have passed their originating chambers, with SB 159 awaiting action in the House Ways & Means Education Committee and HB 244 pending in the Senate Finance & Taxation Education Committee, which will meet Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Hardin stressed that time is running short and member engagement is essential for either bill to advance.
CAFO Funding: The General Fund and Education Trust Fund budgets are expected to return for debate in the coming week as the session draws to a close. Both have passed their originating chambers and await committee action — a process that is an annual constitutional requirement.
One key concern for the Federation is securing adequate funding for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO). The CAFO line item funds a regulatory program administered by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Fiscal Year 2025 funding stood at $575,000, while FY 2027 funding is currently projected at $175,000 — a $400,000 reduction over two years. The Federation's priority is restoring funding to FY 2025 levels to protect farmers operating CAFOs from absorbing increased out-of-pocket costs.
The General Fund budget, SB 146 by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, will be in the House Ways & Means General Fund Committee March 31 at 10:30 a.m. State expenses not related to education are appropriated through the General Fund budget.
HB 238 by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, represents the Education Trust Fund budget, and awaits action in the Senate Finance & Taxation Education Committee.
"We're encouraging all Federation members to reach out to their lawmakers on these issues as the session comes to a close," Hardin said. "With only six days remaining, action must be taken now before adjournment."
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