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Alabama Legislature Advances 32 Bills While Limestone County Leads Economic Growth for Seventh Consecutive Year

Alabama's 2026 Regular Session of the legislature is underway, with 32 bills introduced so far, including top measures like SB3 mandating sexual risk avoidance in K-12 sex education curricula and SB1 restricting nonpsychoactive hemp sales to pharmacies while classifying psychoactive derivatives as Schedule I drugs, according to LegiScan. Lawmakers raced to wrap up the session as of late March, with former Secretary of State John Merrill noting a push to finalize business, per CBS 42. Other active bills address religious instruction credits, liquified petroleum gas safety near public areas, and weekly Star-Spangled Banner broadcasts in schools. In business and economy news, Limestone County earned the title of Alabama's fastest-growing county for the seventh straight year in 2025, based on U.S. Census data from the Huntsville Business Journal. Construction Partners, Inc. announced a $20 million headquarters operation in Dothan, poised to boost civil infrastructure jobs, as reported by Area Development. High-dollar building permits surged statewide, including expansions at Coleman Coliseum and a Homewood Piggly Wiggly redevelopment, per The Bama Buzz and Bham Now. Community developments highlight progress on education and infrastructure. Tuscaloosa's Saban Center reached a topping-out milestone, on track for a late 2027 opening as a STEM and workforce hub, according to ABC 33/40. Congressman Shomari Figures secured over $3 million for Montgomery projects, including $2 million for I-65 gateway improvements and $1.65 million for tech innovation, via Central Alabama Inc. Huntsville approved a $680,691 design contract for Resolute Way to ease traffic near Redstone Arsenal, per the City of Huntsville site. Trussville leaders plan to unveil growth and school capacity strategies soon, ABC 33/40 reports. No major recent weather events were noted. Looking Ahead: Watch for session wrap-up votes, Saban Center advancements toward 2027, and Resolute Way construction starts amid on

Alabama 2026 Legislative Session: Hemp Regulation, Education Bills, and Economic Growth Drive State Agenda

Alabama remains active on multiple fronts as its 2026 legislative session kicks off with prefiling of key bills. LegiScan reports standout proposals like SB1, which would regulate nonpsychoactive hemp products for pharmacy sales only while classifying psychoactive derivatives as Schedule I drugs, and SB3 mandating sexual risk avoidance in K-12 sex education with parental notices. Other measures include SB4 expanding elective credit for religious release time and SB9 renaming the Clean Indoor Air Act to honor Vivian Davis Figures while banning vaping in public places. These early filings signal debates on education, health, and public safety ahead. In business and economy, expansion drives growth. Associated MetalCast announced a $6.24 million upgrade in Oxford, creating 50 skilled jobs averaging $49,000 annually, per Made in Alabama. Construction Partners plans a $20 million Dothan headquarters consolidating operations, according to Area Development. M&H Valve is investing $19 million in Anniston manufacturing tech, boosting automation. Congressman Shomari Figures secured over $3 million for Montgomery projects, including I-65 infrastructure and a tech innovation hub, as noted by Central Alabama Inc. Community efforts shine with the Saban Center in Tuscaloosa topping out, on track for a 2027 opening as a STEM and arts hub, praised by Governor Kay Ivey and Mayor Walt Maddox in ABC 33/40 coverage. USDA offers disaster aid to farmers hit by recent tornadoes, winds, snow, and hail, per its March 26 release. Weather has been mild but challenging, with WBRC noting warm, dry spells in the 70s to 80s through late March, fueling wildfires amid drought, as Alabama Forestry Commission told APR. No major storms dominate now. Looking Ahead: Watch the legislative session's final push, Saban Center progress, and potential cold front impacts. Farmers eye USDA aid deadlines. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more chec