It’s Time to Stand for Families: From Values to Action

Guest Opinion by State Representative Kenneth Paschal

Strong families are the foundation of strong communities.

That is not a partisan statement — it is a practical truth most Alabamians recognize. Because, when families are stable, children do better in school, communities are safer, and opportunity expands.

Yet when we debate education, workforce development, poverty, public safety, or rising violence in too many of our communities, we often avoid addressing the common thread connecting them all — the lack of family stability. If we are serious about solving these challenges, we must recognize the vitally important role of family.

That is why I am going to reintroduce a pro-family legislative package built upon four bills. Each is grounded in principles that should unite, not divide, all of us — parental rights, accountability, due process, and the well-being of children.

• HB148 permanently protects parental rights in Alabama’s Constitution, affirming that parents—not government—are the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives.

• HB464 strengthens fairness and transparency in child welfare investigations while safe-guarding due process for families navigating a complex system.

• HB147 promotes shared parenting when safe and appropriate because children benefit from meaningful involvement from both parents.

• HB650 establishes a bipartisan commission to study challenges facing boys and men in Alabama, including educational attainment, workforce participation, and family engagement.

Taken together, these bills reflect the simple idea that government should support families—not replace them.

Though its leaders often talk about supporting families, Alabama has never made a comprehensave pro-family policy agenda a sustained priority. It is time we do, and I am committed to making 2027 the year we follow through.

That concept should not be controversial, but too often, it is easier to talk about being “pro-family” than it is to advance policies that fully reflect what that commitment requires.As a Republican, I believe my party has a responsibility to lead here. The Alabama GOP has long championed strong families as a core value, but if we are going to claim that mantle, we must be willing to follow through, especially when the policy conversations become complex or uncomfortable.

Being pro-family is about more than rhetoric. It means supporting policies that encourage parental involvement, promote accountability, and prioritize children’s long-term well-being — even when those policies challenge the status quo.

This is not a criticism for its own sake. It is a call to be consistent.

At the same time, strengthening families cannot be a partisan exercise. These issues affect every community in our state, so I welcome Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike to engage, offer ideas, and help move these policies forward.

The 2026 Legislative Session may be over, but this work is not. I will be pre-filing this pro-family legislative package for the 2027 session to keep these issues front and center.

But legislation alone will not solve this. Real progress requires partnership beyond the State House.

I am calling on community leaders, faith-based organizations, and citizens across Alabama to move beyond agreement in principle and take decisive action. Review these proposals. Engage the conversation. Be part of the solution.

If we are going to say we are pro-family, then our policies must reflect it—consistently, not selectively, and not only when it is politically convenient.

Alabama’s families deserve more than words. They deserve results.

Now is the time to act.

Alabama State Representative Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) serves House District 73, which includes parts of Alabaster, Helena, Montevallo, and Pelham. A U.S. Army Veteran and longtime Shelby County resident, Paschal is running for reelection to the Alabama House on a platform grounded in service, traditional values, and a commitment to delivering real results for the people of his District.

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