[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6628735,"mediaKeyId","2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19","parentId",2714642,"title","House passes paid parental leave measure for state and education employees after substitution","audioSeconds",2196,"startMs",8640000,"endMs",10836000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19&start=8640&end=10836","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19/thumbnail_8640000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6628735/Alabama/House-passes-paid-parental-leave-measure-for-state-and-education-employees-after-substitution","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628735-84e37e152d308e5c393bdf026c2ee916/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040376&Signature=JozTNpY0WlQn6d~IRwRFKrqGz1XZ8p39vXjITJOjXVjvVK-YAtwaYyEHuhoaQu1FhbHziNDGEk9OYwzix239GnuaOIHXFRB8-dAyyCy4iAmrgUX5AXjP9pXoV6VN8pucFoGXBI6RmOC15j5J5cGVmsfxJMDXD4Q4fkow7G4XyQqP9Pfn5okNSo1wBG2EcVqWHphJaOnipIAcJkdRvhfCmeUYAR3FDiMSdvroq8-kv2mJlrcghZhzTvG53KZ4BkmBCE5ljZSkcF0coYhPC8De-q4ohBLXlTqJvjsRgqoev9vjgwoeMPInJ2HmZKxXdTto7-TnktIZ0BZb5pnMxnau7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alabama House Sessions","date","2025-03-20T17:56:14.063Z","article","The House adopted HB 327 as substituted by SB 199, creating a paid parental-leave benefit for state employees and education employees. Representative Shaver, sponsor of the House bill, explained the substitution and said the measure merges companion proposals so state and education employees receive comparable benefits.

As adopted, the law provides a defined period of paid parental leave (time windows were discussed on the floor) for birth, certain miscarriages and adoptions; the substitution clarifies covered employee categories and ensures inclusion of community college and other state special-school employees. The new leave runs concurrently with federal Family and Medical Leave Act protections but does not require employees to exhaust other annual or sick leave balances before taking paid parental leave. The bill includes an annual reporting requirement for metrics on leave usage so the legislature can monitor costs.

Supporters framed the policy as a recruitment and retention tool for state government and public education. They noted neighboring states and many large private-sector employers offer similar benefits. Floor opponents raised concerns about the competitive effect on small private employers and the use of public funds to provide benefits some private companies already offer.

The House adopted a Senate substitute and final passage followed (recorded vote: SB 199 passed with 94 ayes, 2 nays, 2 abstentions on final passage in the transcript). The sponsor acknowledged Senator Figures' work in the Senate and Representative Debbie Wood's companion bill earlier in the process.

Why it matters: The provision changes employee benefits for a broad class of state workers, potentially affecting recruitment, retention and budget calculations for state agencies and school systems. The annual reporting requirement will provide data to the legislature on usage and fiscal impact.

Next steps: Enrollment and transmission to the governor. Agencies will need to adjust payroll and human-resources processes and include the new benefit in budget planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Alabama House","oneSentenceSummary","HB 327 (substituted with SB 199) establishes paid parental leave for state employees and teachers; the House adopted amendments and a substitute and set reporting requirements to track usage and costs.","taxTitle","House, Alabama Legislative Sessions, Alabama","taxId",62182,"location","Alabama","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628738,"House removes state sales tax on baby supplies; floor amendment adds diaper coverage for seniors and people with incontinence",2236,5100000,7336000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19&start=5100&end=7336","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19/thumbnail_5100000.jpg","/articles/6628738/Alabama/House-removes-state-sales-tax-on-baby-supplies-floor-amendment-adds-diaper-coverage-for-seniors-and-people-with-incontinence","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628738-757c2fbc035bef2ff38ead29f3fded16/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040376&Signature=gA5EQ2EzFfrKicOgYHE1o83kXaAdW9FVhphvhH4acmfNMhOm4RGUEPGBBNgCS0Yn1TvAMh~nQ0cd~w5m5-joJvLBtBXa20O8PVghmfgic4Nz~S4L3gEWkSsg1BdRWIr5guEe~iHOo-PHsdnXUbtZkE6R7OoGRk04lVBzoApv4fBeT37jtljk4Sry20HOWqPgdQxBDzCUF-0zWNiJiUyrUDqtbcD574Ah9sZ2D4lwZ8BooVLuFsjKjvh8rH9a16WcFgNNa9RmtKB3DuJ08XtAz~~M2yJLZiU~SDANJBEXPpF1OegTBZMd0TnZzt-enckTbwbPUOOheSzxCGqqOK5FUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alabama House passed HB 152 with a floor amendment broadening the bill's exemptions. Representative Jane Rafferty presented the bill to remove the state portion of sales tax on baby supplies including baby formula, maternity clothing and menstrual-hygiene products. Chair and members acknowledged prior versions and fiscal estimates. Representative Shavers offered a friendly floor amendment to include diapers for any individual who cannot control bladder function; the sponsor accepted the amendment.

Floor debate included concern about the scope of exemptions (maternity clothing vs. clinical needs) and fiscal impact. Representative Garrett cited a fiscal estimate provided on the floor: the amendment would add approximately $2.5 million to a previous $10 million estimate, creating an estimated $13 million state revenue impact. The sponsor told members the effective date would give retailers time to update point-of-sale systems; the bill as amended takes effect Sept. 1, 2025.

Supporters argued the measure reduces costs for families and people who need diapers medically; some members urged restraint on expanding exemptions generally because of potential revenue loss for core services. The House adopted the bill as amended and recorded final passage.

Why it matters: The removal of the state sales tax portion on baby supplies and the added diaper provision affects the cost burden for families, seniors and people with incontinence. Floor debate emphasized fiscal trade-offs and timing for retailer system updates.

Implementation: The bill includes an effective date (Sept. 1, 2025) to allow retailers time to implement changes; sponsors said they had discussed the change with manufacturers and retailer representatives during committee work.","HB 152 passed after a floor amendment that explicitly included diapers for any individual unable to control bladder function (including seniors); sponsors and members discussed fiscal impact and effective date for retailer preparation.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628743,"House amends school safety bill to make deployment of emergency-response devices subject to annual funding",4074,5760000,9834000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19&start=5760&end=9834","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19/thumbnail_5760000.jpg","/articles/6628743/Alabama/House-amends-school-safety-bill-to-make-deployment-of-emergency-response-devices-subject-to-annual-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628743-9f3558a17eb91b1ac5dc72b1096285f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040376&Signature=b761Gdhp3L-9wd9yfldD-p5lBikJR~ekjhjguQZ8lbwZdR2HFHyMT~M25fwRNWVe~1GgkMmA58G~BWqYX74cybsyi0IB0Y4qI-3Nn~Gjhd-6oK6NxkksLpaE4ifAcvTFRCEODVLVEQ2i-ilRQUI0exo2~hxg0qlGkjB5m~6Lkm7Ue9QU-DIxLIIv6FsLY6vgA-qYjUc2FayVBXD~FgX4s8pRu~LaPsIq~644KyMtnr~s2gFIC8MqfFROoywDZmz3uu5L9VHdlLesR05bM0kSlAIHIulSWZhZZWOxTdateSx6lkAvKalYKJTle3WIPxO-Ujh5IUZ6oJDI~QzRikOXow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alabama House passed HB 234, a bill that requires governing bodies to purchase approved mobile emergency rapid-response systems or wearable emergency buttons for school staff and other devices intended to reduce response time to campus incidents. On the floor the House adopted a friendly amendment requiring deployment to be subject to an annual dedicated school safety funding source, which sponsors and superintendents said is necessary to avoid shifting local funds away from other priorities.

Representative Mark Baker, the bill sponsor, said the measure provides a five-year runway for school systems to adopt the technology and gives schools a choice between emergency buttons and mobile-app solutions. Representative Ream offered and explained the floor amendment, which makes implementation contingent on annual dedicated school safety funds and sets an implementation checkpoint no later than Oct. 1, 2030. Several superintendents and members of the House questioned how ongoing maintenance costs, vendor selection, and the difference between one- and two-story school buildings would be handled; Baker and other supporters said the bill seeks to provide the \"most rapid response\" in multiple incident types (medical emergencies, severe incidents, active shooters).

Concerns on the floor included:
- Ongoing maintenance costs and batteries for devices, particularly for small or underfunded districts.
- Whether the state will provide a per-district allocation or other formula to ensure equity across large and small systems.
- Questions about vendor lists and whether the requirement for precise room/floor location would force smaller districts to purchase more expensive systems than they currently have.

The sponsor said the State Department of Education will develop an approved vendor list and the floor amendment was intended to ensure state funding support before the requirement becomes mandatory. Speakers urged a layered approach—school resource officers, hardening and training in addition to technology. The bill passed on final vote after the amendment was adopted.

Why it matters: The measure aims to reduce emergency response times at campuses. The floor amendment ties rollout to funding and signals the legislature’s intent to provide state-level financial support before requiring local systems to purchase new equipment.

Next steps: The State Department of Education will be responsible for an approved vendor list, and legislative budget decisions will determine whether dedicated annual school-safety funds are provided to implement the program broadly.","The House passed HB 234 but adopted a floor amendment making implementation contingent on an annual dedicated school safety funding source; floor debate highlighted cost, vendor selection and equity for small/rural systems.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628748,"House adopts bill mirroring federal ban on foreign-national campaign contributions after extended floor debate",728,5640000,6368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19&start=5640&end=6368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19/thumbnail_5640000.jpg","/articles/6628748/Alabama/House-adopts-bill-mirroring-federal-ban-on-foreign-national-campaign-contributions-after-extended-floor-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628748-279b2b29ab14d93bc3961810699e9ea5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040376&Signature=XNrqK-AIUrtUTeO6kMty7PXyvUxbXRQ7Nv9BWwcg~Z-vU3czCokVr774J7LW3kHQuK3lnWrTEFCuLnyOC3Fi3fQir8HXGBOHeJ2OkWLE8ODSIlENgir9WaWtd1De~eWa6-MmFrbgMD~aT3K3vUQGkECmGveLBM-y9pCjYa3YGanZ6LLAWTc3u4R3Yo78MoO8IfB9j~Lzckiu2m-BAp04vr5yrcxSz-9Mtq-4zhJ2BezMEA47Va1JcLg7YYyH1UMSRN7IFJP19sT5eDp9H6-9~ccNMfcOfBkmaPWdm3wnuQ-r2gBSEm4BG4-qtX0BZtY31Omv7NpNMiPUo0KvzA1s4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alabama House adopted HB 363 on the floor, a measure the sponsor described as mirroring federal law to prohibit foreign nationals from contributing to candidates, political action committees and ballot referendums in Alabama.

Representative Lomax, the bill sponsor, told the chamber the legislation is intended to close a loophole that allows foreign-based money to influence state or local ballot referendums. Lomax said the measure mirrors existing federal prohibitions and that the Secretary of State and the County Commission Association reviewed the proposal and gave it a green light.

Several members questioned practical enforcement and verification. Members asked how donation recipients should determine whether a contributor is a \"foreign national,\" whether a contribution drawn on a U.S. bank account but made by a foreign national would be prohibited, and what steps campaigns or local election officials should follow if a contribution is later found to have been made by a foreign national. The sponsor responded that the bill follows federal practice — including disclaimers on solicitations — and that campaigns should refund ineligible contributions when discovered. The sponsor and other members urged compliance with federal definitions and noted the bill would allow local and state enforcement to intervene.

Why it matters: The bill extends federal campaign-finance concepts to state and local elections and ballot measures, and floor discussion focused on practical verification, liability and whether extra administrative burdens would fall on candidates or county election officials.

What the House did: The House adopted the committee report and passed HB 363. Sponsors said state-level enforcement mechanisms would be available; implementation will involve the Secretary of State's office.

Quotes:
\"This mirrors federal law, and it also closes a loophole of foreign nationals contributing to ballot referendums or constitutional amendments,\" Representative Lomax said.

\"If you've donated to a federal campaign, there is a disclaimer at the bottom of solicitations... foreign nationals are prohibited from contributing to this campaign,\" the sponsor said on the floor, explaining the bill's compliance with existing federal practice.

Next steps: The measure passed the House and will be sent through enrollment and then to the governor. Officials and campaigns will need to review campaign solicitation language and contribution verification procedures to comply with the new state-level statute.","Lawmakers passed HB 363 to align state campaign rules with federal restrictions barring foreign nationals from contributing to candidates, PACs and ballot referendums; sponsors and other members debated enforcement mechanics and definitions on the floor.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628752,"Alabama House approves package of bills on primary dates, consumer protections, school measures and other items",5254,2880000,8134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19&start=2880&end=8134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714642-9fd8a37e1981bb6a3317f92dffcf6a19/thumbnail_2880000.jpg","/articles/6628752/Alabama/Alabama-House-approves-package-of-bills-on-primary-dates-consumer-protections-school-measures-and-other-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628752-ab6fef82084d57abea81621147463707/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040376&Signature=JxjJ31-WaxCrl2XlPNvk3-vlftg4iZczNgdpMPgv5uBMfOWB9iEpcNMqsF~ugsWXZaKBfl89jEsAYV3dFhhKfI8B1ujH8AFLmPfBWn6~SIwZ3lXlfUXh47MEwl7PpWJDs~0tIzJ7QJ5ym8hjEb96q4nUzA~ZaP~u7pRgX7hBXpHtC6dEzj8F1VhI3w-tj-JnWRYSpJYEBgElhEF995OsxeXBr3L8X2OSpKitXYSFF29drLLIIpR9w2V9X66Ua9n1dMUUn7d83fAoHHHRfrgJBYjMazgRyLel0-0n~mkX5lXonPBglc16inpasf5RRoAL84r-seqT8Je-V4mPre5Zsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alabama House of Representatives on the floor approved a series of bills and resolutions on multiple topics, including election scheduling, consumer protections, school safety provisions and tax exemptions for baby supplies.

Among the measures passed were changes to the primary election calendar, consumer-protection language extending warranties with home sales, statewide restrictions matching federal prohibitions on contributions by foreign nationals, amendments on school safety funding and several local and technical bills. Several items were adopted with committee substitutes or floor amendments before final passage.

Votes and key outcomes (selected):
- HB 258 (Representative Karnes) — Primary election date moved from the fourth Tuesday to the second Tuesday of May to avoid falling immediately after Memorial Day; BIR and final passage adopted (vote on final passage recorded as 99 ayes, 0 nays). The bill also keeps the runoff four weeks after the primary. (See transcript at ~2917–3219.)

- HB 95 (Representative Sales, substituted) — Consumer protection: warranty transfer when a home with a newly installed air-conditioning unit is sold; committee substitute adopted and final passage recorded (100–3 recorded as adopted as substituted in the record). (See transcript ~4173–4296.)

- HB 363 (Representative Lomax) — Fair Campaign Practices/foreign nationals: mirrors federal law prohibiting contributions from foreign nationals to candidates, PACs and ballot referendums. Committee and final passage were adopted; sponsor said the bill mirrors existing federal rules and closes a loophole for ballot measures. (See transcript ~3234–4168.)

- HB 234 (Representative Baker) — School emergency response systems: requires governing bodies to adopt approved mobile rapid-response systems or emergency button solutions where funded; bill was amended on the floor to make implementation subject to an annual dedicated school safety funding source and passed (final vote 58 ayes, 30 nays recorded in the transcript). (See transcript ~5758–8134.)

- HB 152 (Representative Rafferty, as amended on floor) — Removes state portion of sales tax on certain baby supplies, baby formula, maternity clothing and menstrual hygiene products; a floor amendment added diaper coverage for any individual who cannot control bladder function (including seniors) and the bill was passed as amended (final tally recorded as 102 ayes, 0 nays). Fiscal estimate discussed on the floor indicated the amendment increased the estimated revenue impact by about $2.5 million on top of a prior $10 million estimate. (See transcript ~5079–5756.)

- HB 327 (Representative Shaver; substituted by SB 199) — Paid parental leave for state and education employees: substituted language adopted, bill provides a defined paid parental leave benefit and requires annual reporting on usage; substitute passed (vote recorded 94 ayes, 2 nays, 2 abstentions on final passage of SB 199 as substitute). (See transcript ~8727–10131.)

- HB 285 (Representative Kiel, as substituted and amended) — Notice to parents for traffic infractions committed by minors: substitute adopted and floor amendment to include text messages and U.S. Mail added; final passage recorded (96 ayes, 3 nays, 1 abstention). Sponsor said the change responds to cases where parents did not know their minor had a ticket. (See transcript ~10140–10440.)

- HB 384 (Representative Crawford) — Corn masa enrichment with folic acid to reduce neural-tube defects: sponsor and physicians noted the change would expand existing enrichment requirements to corn masa products; bill passed (final vote recorded 91 ayes, 7 nays). (See transcript ~10496–11481.)

Other bills recorded on the floor and their outcomes included local bills (HB 422, SB 41 with substitute for Calhoun County), SB 198 (substitute for HB 328; National Guard legal services), HB 361 (Lower Creek Indian Tribe authority to employ police), HB 148 (out-of-state vehicles required to show proof of liability insurance), SB 222 (hospital restructuring and liability language), and multiple other local and procedural items; those measures were adopted or passed as recorded in the transcript.

Why it matters: The session advanced measures that affect election administration, consumer protections, school safety implementation and everyday household expenses for families. Several measures include fiscal implications (tax exemptions; school safety funding) and explicit implementation conditions that require follow-up action by agencies or future budgets.

What’s next: Most passed measures will be enrolled and sent to the governor; items adopted as substitutes may return to the other chamber for concurrence or implementation guidance from state agencies. The floor record includes roll-call tallies for many final passage votes and the transcript identifies which bills were accepted as committee or floor substitutes.

Votes listed here and the companion bills noted above are recorded verbatim in the House transcript and roll-call record for the day.","The House passed a range of bills including changes to primary election timing, consumer warranty rules, education safety funding language, and tax exemptions for baby supplies; several measures were adopted as substitutes or after floor amendments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House passes paid parental leave measure for state and education employees after substitution

House removes state sales tax on baby supplies; floor amendment adds diaper coverage for seniors and people with incontinence

House amends school safety bill to make deployment of emergency-response devices subject to annual funding

House adopts bill mirroring federal ban on foreign-national campaign contributions after extended floor debate

Alabama House approves package of bills on primary dates, consumer protections, school measures and other items