Alabama Lawmakers Approve Record $3.8 Billion General Fund Budget for 2026
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — In a significant legislative move, Alabama lawmakers have approved a record-high General Fund budget of $3.8 billion for the fiscal year 2026. The budget, which marks a $348 million increase from the previous year, is now headed to Governor Kay Ivey for final approval.
The budget surpassed initial proposals by approximately $14 million, with notable increases allocated for law enforcement, airport development grants, and public health. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter expressed satisfaction with the budget’s provisions, highlighting efforts to ensure adequate funding for regional airports and various state agencies.
The House initially passed a budget of $3.67 billion in early April, which included substantial allocations to law enforcement and airport projects but lacked funding for broadband expansion. However, this funding was subsequently restored in the Senate, which also added over $6.8 million for various initiatives, including $2.16 million dedicated to public health, $1.5 million for Port Authority projects, and rural infrastructure development.
A notable amendment by Senator Clyde Chambliss made part of the funding for the Board of Pardons and Paroles conditional, pending necessary revisions to its parole guidelines, which have been overdue for two years.
Despite no substantial disagreements among lawmakers, procedural delays extended the budget approval process until nearly midnight. A request from Senator Rodger Smitherman to read the comprehensive 133-page budget aloud consumed over four hours, further slowing proceedings. Smitherman aimed to ensure careful consideration of the budget’s implications during the legislative session’s final days.
As the session continues, several Birmingham-area Democrats remain concerned about ongoing legislation to overhaul the Birmingham Water Works Board, which has passed the Senate and awaits a vote in the House.
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