Alabama Legislature Passes Education and Second Amendment Bills While Governor Renames Gulf of Mexico

Alabama's state legislature has been active this week, passing a bill to revise public school sex education standards toward sexual risk avoidance, including online safety and parental opt-out options, according to the Alabama Political Reporter. Lawmakers also unanimously approved measures allowing inmates to attend parole hearings remotely and enhancing fairness in parole revocations. In a bold move, Governor Kay Ivey signed the Gulf of America Act, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for all official state use starting October 1, as reported by WVTM 13 News. Another highlight: a Senate committee advanced a Second Amendment sales tax holiday for firearms and hunting supplies. On the economic front, small business hiring slowed in March, with 32 percent of owners reporting unfilled jobs amid labor shortages, per the NFIB via Alabama Political Reporter. Governor Ivey awarded a $75,000 grant for inmate job training to aid reentry into the workforce. In utility news, Ivey signed a landmark bill freezing Alabama Power rates until 2029 and restructuring the Public Service Commission, though customers already face the nation's highest bills among peers, Inside Climate News reports. Manufacture Alabama announced its 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Alabama contest. Community efforts shine too: Birmingham launched a $2.4 million micro-shelter pilot for unhoused men, offering temporary housing and services. The Shoulder treatment center started Operation VETS with grant funding for veteran substance abuse support. Tuscaloosa declared April Child Abuse Prevention Month, and no major weather events have disrupted the state recently. Looking Ahead: Watch for the 2026 Legislative Report on budgets and healthcare, plus bustling April events like Birmingham's symphony screenings and festivals. Cullman hosts community gatherings on April 19. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.