Ivey Signs Bills on Sports, Safety, Health, Taxes

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed several bills into law this week, advancing a slate of measures focused on student rights, road safety, healthcare access and tax relief across Alabama.

The legislation reflects a broad push by State leaders to address day-to-day concerns for families, from school athletics to rising healthcare demands and the cost of living.

The Governor signed the “Let the Kids Play!” Act, the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act, a package of healthcare delivery reforms and a tax relief measure aimed at easing financial pressure on working families.

One of the most closely watched bills, the “Let the Kids Play!” Act, ensures students benefiting from Alabama’s CHOOSE Act cannot be barred from school athletics based solely on their participation in the program.

“The Let the Kids Play Act stands up for students and families who followed the law and played by the rules,” Ivey said. “Every child deserves a fair shot both in the classroom and on the field.”

The law creates a formal process for families to challenge eligibility decisions and reinforces protections against discrimination tied to school choice participation.

Ivey also signed the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act, which launches a pilot program using automated speed enforcement in highway construction zones.

“Currently in Alabama, there is roadwork ongoing in all 67 counties, including on our major roadways. It is just critical that we all drive carefully through work zones,” said Governor Ivey. 

The law comes as the State reports thousands of crashes in work zones each year and aims to reduce injuries and fatalities through stricter enforcement and data tracking.

A separate set of bills signed by Ivey focuses on improving healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas where access remains limited.

“I worked with legislative leaders this session to remove legal barriers to ensure healthcare providers are able to work together to improve healthcare delivery in our rural areas,” Ivey said.

The changes include expanding the role of first responders, easing licensing for out-of-State physician assistants and aligning State policy with a broader federal rural health initiative.

Finally, Ivey approved legislation providing tax relief to Alabama households, continuing a trend of reducing financial burdens where possible.

While details vary by provision, the effort centers on helping residents keep more of their earnings and supporting long-term economic stability.

“I am proud to sign this needed tax relief into law so that money will return directly into the hands of hardworking Alabamians,” Ivey said.

Taken together, the measures highlight a legislative agenda centered on practical concerns—education access, public safety, healthcare availability and household finances.

Each law took effect following the Governor’s signature, with some programs, like work zone enforcement, set to roll out in phases later this year.

The bills signed by the Governor are:

“Let the Kids Play!” Act

• House Bill 160 (HB160) — “Let the Kids Play!” Act
  • Protects CHOOSE Act student athletes’ eligibility in school sports

Alabama Work Zone Safety Act

• House Bill 2 (HB2) — Alabama Work Zone Safety Act
  • Creates a pilot program for automated speed enforcement in work zones

Healthcare Delivery Legislation Package

• House Bill 605 (HB605) — Alabama Rural Health Antitrust Immunity Act
  • Allows healthcare providers to collaborate and share services in rural areas
• House Bill 156 (HB156) — Alabama Physician Assistant Licensure Compact
  • Streamlines licensing for out-of-state physician assistants
• Senate Bill 269 (SB269) — “Treat in Place”
  • Allows EMS providers to be reimbursed for on-site care without transport
• House Bill 116 (HB116) — EMS Tuition Reimbursement Expansion
  • Expands training program locations; requires two-year service commitment
• House Bill 182 (HB182) — Military Training for EMS Licensure
  • Credits military medical training toward EMS licensing requirements
• House Bill 300 (HB300) — Breast Cancer Screening Cost Relief
  • Eliminates patient costs for supplemental and diagnostic breast exams
• Senate Bill 19 (SB19) — Prostate Cancer Screening Cost Relief
  • Eliminates patient costs for prostate screenings for eligible men
• Senate Bill 57 (SB57) — SNAP Healthy Choices Act
  • Seeks waiver to restrict SNAP purchases of sugary foods and drinks
• Senate Bill 9 (SB9) — Indoor Vaping Restrictions
  • Expands public smoking bans to include vaping and e-cigarettes

Tax Relief Legislation

• House Bill 527 (HB527) — Tax Relief for Working Alabamians
  • Provides income tax relief measures for Alabama individuals and families