Alfa Health Plan Legislation Introduced in Senate

Legislation to allow the Alabama Farmers Federation to provide affordable health care coverage for members was introduced in the Senate during the first legislative day Feb. 4. 

SB 84 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would authorize the Federation to offer Alfa Health Plans to combat increasing costs on farms and small business operations. Alfa Health Plans would be modeled after Farm Bureau plans and similar legislation in 10 states.

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said Alfa Health Plans could lower health care premiums for members by up to 60%.

“Farmers are facing tough decisions like finding off-farm jobs for benefits, reducing farm or business sizes to possibly qualify for subsidies or, maybe worst of all, paying exorbitant out-of-pocket prices,” Hardin said. “Farming can be a dangerous job. Our members can't afford not to have health coverage, but they also can't afford it.”

“More than 3,000 Federation members have already contacted their legislators and asked them to support SB 84,” Hardin added. “Our grassroots efforts are making a difference. We encourage members to keep sharing your stories. Your engagement is the key to bringing affordable health coverage to Alabama farmers.”

Governor’s Budget Recommendations Filed

Gov. Kay Ivey released her budget proposals for the 2025 legislative session this week with a focus on public health and safety; workforce and economic development; and education. 

SB 112 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, carries the Education Trust Fund proposals in the Senate, while HB 186 by Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, outlines the General Fund Budget in the House of Representatives. 

Alabama Farmers Federation Agricultural Legislation Director Preston Roberts said the goal is to ensure ag and forestry initiatives receive increased or level-funding. 

“We appreciate Gov. Ivey’s commitment to Alabama agriculture,” Roberts said. “She recognizes the importance of ag and forestry on Alabama’s economy, and that is reflected in her budget proposals.”

Gov. Ivey Delivers State of the State Address

Gov. Kay Ivey addressed a joint session of the Alabama Legislature by delivering the annual State of the State address during the first day of the 2025 regular session Feb. 4. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, the state of our state is strong, and opportunity abounds for all of Alabama,” Ivey told the crowd of legislators, justices, judges, constitutional officers and other guests. “The people of Alabama deserve our very best. Future generations of Alabamians deserve our hardest work today. This is our opportunity.”

Ivey celebrated the success of former legislative victories such as the CHOOSE Act and improved K-12 test scores due to the Literacy and Numeracy Acts. She also shared her legislative priorities for 2025, including public safety, crime enforcement, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, continuing education gains and more. 

Gudger Elected Senate President Pro Tem

The Alabama Senate elected Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, as its new president pro tem.

"We congratulate Sen. Gudger on being elected to this important leadership role," said Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin. "We look forward to working with him to support Alabama farmers in the upcoming session."

Gudger, who was first elected to the Senate in 2018, will take over for Sen. Greg Reed, R-Jasper. In his new role, Gudger will work closely with Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, and Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, to guide the upper chamber's legislative priorities. 

Gudger was elected by the Senate Feb 4.

Reed Appointed Secretary of New Workforce Development Department

Former State Sen. Greg Reed, R-Jasper, was sworn in as secretary of Alabama’s new Department of Workforce Monday. 

Reed, who most recently served as president pro tem in the Senate, will lead the state’s workforce development efforts as the first secretary of workforce. The new department replaces the former Department of Labor while also taking over some responsibilities from the Department of Commerce. 

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Preston Roberts said Reed’s passion for workforce development makes him the right fit for the position. 

“Secretary Reed is known for creating opportunities and finding ways to get Alabamians to work,” Roberts said. “We look forward to working with him to resolve ag workforce issues while promoting rural communities.” 

Reed was first elected to the Senate in 2010. 

Bills in Brief:

Hunting and Fishing Licenses Not Valid Form of I.D.: SB 62 by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, would prohibit individuals from using state-issued hunting and fishing licenses as valid forms of I.D. The bill was passed by the Senate Thursday and awaits action in the House. 

Additional Immigration Enforcement: SB 53 by Sen. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, would create new penalties for concealing or harboring an individual who is in the U.S. illegally. The bill was reported favorably out of the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Wednesday. It now awaits a Senate vote.

Foreign Ownership of Ag Land Expansion: HB 68 by Rep. Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, would further prevent foreign ownership of ag and forestry property in Alabama. The bill would expand existing law to prevent individuals or companies on any sanctions list of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Foreign Assets Control from owning ag or forestry property in Alabama. The bill awaits action in the House Urban and Rural Development Committee. 

Increased Gambling Penalties: HB 41 by Rep. Matthew Hammett, R-Dozier, would increase certain penalties for gambling offenses and further specify that games of chance are illegal in Alabama. HB 41 awaits action in the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee. 

Property Tax Cap Adjustment: SB 100 by Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, would change a law created during the 2024 legislative session capping the year-to-year property tax assessment values for Class II commercial and business property and Class III residential, agricultural, forestry and historic property. If passed, SB 100 would change the cap from 7% to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers as published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics for the immediately preceding year. The bill awaits action in the House Ag, Conservation and Forestry Committee. 

Truck Squat Prohibition: HB 17 by Rep. Ron Bolton, R-Northport, would create the Alabama Squat Truck Law to prohibit altering motor vehicles in ways that raise the front fender four or more inches higher than the rear fender. The bill awaits action in the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. 

The Legislature will reconvene Tuesday, February 11 for day 4 of a possible 30 days. 

The House will convene at 1 p.m. and Senate will convene at 2 p.m. 

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Questions?

 Brian Hardin - Director, External Affairs Department

 Preston Roberts - Director, Agricultural Legislation

Russ Durrance - Director, State Legislative Programs

John Allen Nichols - Agriculture Counsel

Morgan Desselle - Legislative and Policy Assistant

Beth Chapman - Beth Chapman and Associates, LLC