CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Feb. 14, hosted its annual State of the State Luncheon, which allows community members to engage with the local legislative delegation and hear updates about key issues and priorities in the state and region.
The Cullman area’s legislative delegation is comprised of Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; former Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview (the longtime representative began his new role as the director of constituent affairs for Gudger Feb. 17); Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope; and Rep. Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley. The four legislators were the guest speakers at the luncheon.
The 2025 Legislative Session is happening now. The panel said legislative priorities include granting immunity to law enforcement officers and a tort reform package to expand industry growth. There was also a heavy emphasis on addressing mental health concerns, stressing community well-being.
Gudger has introduced SB2, which would “revise the definition of ‘electronic nicotine delivery system’ to include battery powered devices that deliver substances other than tobacco through the inhalation of vapor.” It would also “prohibit the distribution of tobacco, tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery
systems, e-liquids, and alternative nicotine products through a vending machine” and “require a one-time application fee and an annual permit fee for the distribution of those products, and would provide for the distribution of those fees.”
The panel also discussed the CHOOSE Act, which was passed in 2024. The Associated Press reported, “The CHOOSE Act, or Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act of 2024, will provide eligible families with as much as $7,000 in state money through education savings accounts for private school tuition or costs at a participating school. Parents could also get up to $2,000 for home school expenses… The program is initially open only to families with an adjusted gross income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, or $77,460 for a family of three. The income limit will go away in 2027.”
There has been intense debate over the CHOOSE Act, which opponents say will divert millions from public school funding across the state. Some also say it disproportionately affect counties that do not have private schools.
Another major topic of discussion at the luncheon was prison reform. It has been acknowledged that overcrowding is an issue, and sentencing guidelines must be balanced with maintaining order. Two new super prisons are under construction, but cost concerns remain. On Feb. 13, The Alabama Political Reporter reported, “The Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee on Wednesday gave a favorable report to legislation that would allow the state to borrow up to $500 million more in order to complete its construction of two prisons, potentially driving the total borrowed amount up $1.28 billion for the construction of the two facilities in Elmore and Escambia counties.
“These island prisons are rough. You know, I mean, the people in these prisons, they’ve done something to get there. And we all agree they need to be there. But we also have to remember that they are human. And they have families, somebody at home that loves them, too,” stated Harbison.
Efforts are being made to expand public-private partnerships to address labor shortages across the state, the panel said, with a focus on implementing the Working for Alabama package, which it said includes initiatives like a childcare tax credit to support working families.
The Legislature is also considering pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform to ensure fair pharmacy reimbursements. Two rival Senate bills are targeting eliminating unfair pricing structures that harm independent pharmacies already struggling to remain open. The panel said protecting access to essential medication remains important, especially in rural areas.
The 2025 Legislative Session is ongoing.
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