3 minute read
Professional Learning Update
The Wild Ride of Lawmaking in Alabama
Dr. Demica Sanders, CLAS Director of Professional Learning
Ah, the legislative process in Alabama – a journey filled with twists, turns, and just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting. Like a slow-cooked Southern stew, the process takes time, requires plenty of stirring, and occasionally results in something no one quite expected. But fear not! We’re here to break it down with the perfect blend of humor and reality.
It all starts with an idea. Maybe a legislator wakes up one morning thinking, “You know what Alabama really needs? A bill regulating backyard chicken fashion shows.” Or, more likely, a concerned citizen suggests something practical, like improving roads or education. Either way, that idea gets turned into a bill and introduced in either the House or Senate, where it faces its first challenge, getting people to read it. Lawmakers are great at proposing bills, but reading every detail? That’s another story.
Next comes the committee stage, where bills either get polished up or quietly set aside, never to be heard from again. Committees debate, amend, and sometimes completely rewrite bills until they barely resemble their original form. A proposal about road repairs might emerge with amendments concerning fishing regulations and an official state sandwich. (For the record, a fried bologna sandwich would be a strong contender- but that’s another debate.) If a bill survives this stage, it moves forward for a vote.
Then, it’s off to the other chamber for more discussion, because nothing says efficiency like debating the same issue twice. If both the House and Senate agree on a final version, the bill heads to the governor’s desk. The governor can either sign it into law, veto it, or set it aside and let time decide its fate. If vetoed, the legislature can override the decision with enough votes, proving that persistence is a key part of democracy.
And there you have it—Alabama’s legislative process! It’s a thrilling, sometimes baffling adventure full of debates, delays, and the occasional surprise. Some bills become law, some fade into obscurity, and some leave us wondering, “Did we really just pass a bill about mandatory sweet tea breaks?” But hey, that’s democracy in action—thoughtful, sometimes slow, but always uniquely Alabama!
As the Legislative session begins, make sure that you are following the three A’s which are important strategies to follow during this time:
Awareness – Stay informed about proposed legislation that could impact education, funding, and policies affecting students and schools.
Advocacy – Actively engage with lawmakers by sharing your insights, concerns, and support for policies that benefit students and educators.
Action – Take steps to make a difference, whether by contacting legislators, attending education hearings, or encouraging community involvement in the legislative process.
Additionally, to stay abreast of the 2025 legislative process, make sure you read the Advocacy Update from Whitney Miller-Nichols on Friday afternoon! As always, if CLAS can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
