A bill aimed at increasing oversight of public assistance programs in Alabama advanced Thursday after clearing a Senate committee.
Senate Bill 61 would require state agencies to conduct more frequent cross-checks of households receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid to ensure continued eligibility.
Under the proposed legislation, agencies would review information on a monthly and quarterly basis, including death records, incarceration status, and possible changes in residency identified through out-of-state Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) usage. Quarterly reviews would also examine income levels and disability status, among other eligibility factors.
Supporters of the bill say the added reviews are intended to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in state-funded assistance programs.
“I don’t believe that there is a common feeling of whether we have that right balance or not as to whether we’re doing all that we can — and certainly not all that we should — to protect those funds,” said Greg Albritton.
Concerns were raised during committee discussion by Clyde Chambliss, who ultimately abstained from the final vote.
“There are times where we know that a person is never, ever going to get better except for a miracle,” Chambliss said. “Why do we want to put them through the ringer over and over again — and staff over and over again — when the answer is indefinitely the same?”
A fiscal note attached to the bill estimates implementation costs of approximately $16 million if the legislation is signed into law by Kay Ivey. The projected cost reflects an increased workload for eligibility determinations and removes the ability of the Alabama Department of Human Resources to grant categorical eligibility.
Linda Coleman-Madison voted against advancing the bill, citing concerns about administrative burden and effectiveness.
“The potential for more harm and not saving any money — putting departments through unnecessary hoops by having to administer this — this is not government efficiency,” she said.
The measure passed the committee on a party-line vote, with one abstention, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Alabama could soon establish its own legally mandated minimum wage under a bill currently being considered by state lawmakers.
The proposed legislation would replace the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour with a state minimum wage set at $10 an hour.
According to the bill, certain businesses would be exempt from the increase. Small businesses employing 50 or fewer workers would not be required to comply with the new wage standard if the measure becomes law.
Supporters say the proposal would help workers keep pace with rising costs of living, while opponents have raised concerns about the potential impact on small businesses.
The bill remains under review in the Alabama Legislature and would require approval by both chambers before being sent to the governor for consideration.
Alabama’s early childhood education system is set to receive a major boost following the announcement of a $3.8 million federal grant awarded to the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE).
Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that ADECE has been awarded a Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) from the federal Administration for Children and Families. The funding is aimed at strengthening and aligning early childhood education services across the state.
“Investing in our youngest Alabamians is one of the most important things we can do to strengthen our state’s future,” Ivey said. “This funding allows Alabama to continue building a strong, coordinated early childhood system that puts families first.”
ADECE Secretary Ami Brooks said the grant will help continue progress already being made statewide, focusing on long-term improvements and better coordination of services for children and families.
The latest round of PDG B-5 grants, announced in December, places an emphasis on system efficiency, parental choice and quality improvement across early childhood programs. ADECE officials say the funding will be used to:
Increase the supply, stability and professional skills of early childhood educators
Improve consistency and alignment across mixed-delivery programs
Expand family engagement initiatives
Develop stronger cross-agency data and analytical systems to guide policy, funding and service delivery
During her recent State of the State address, Gov. Ivey highlighted gains already made in Alabama’s early childhood education system, noting that continued investment is key to sustaining progress. Officials say this grant will further benefit children from birth through age five by expanding access to high-quality early care and learning opportunities.
The PDG B-5 program is a competitive federal grant designed to help states better coordinate and maximize existing federal, state and local funding while strengthening and expanding early childhood education systems.
As Spring Break approaches and thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in Bay County, local and state officials are making it clear that criminal behavior will not be tolerated.
Sheriff Tommy Ford and Chief J.R. Talamentez met Monday with Matt Walsh, secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, to coordinate enforcement efforts ahead of the busy Spring Break season.
Officials said discussions focused on Bay County’s zero-tolerance stance toward juvenile criminal activity, with an emphasis on accountability, public safety, and immediate consequences for unlawful actions.
State officials pledged full support from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to assist local law enforcement throughout Spring Break. Local leaders said the partnership will allow agencies to respond quickly to incidents involving juveniles and maintain a strong law enforcement presence.
Authorities stressed that the goal is to ensure a safe Spring Break for residents and visitors alike, while delivering a clear message that illegal activity — especially involving juveniles — will not be overlooked.
The Create Dothan series challenges artists to explore the theme Colors of the Wiregrass. The exhibitions are held four times a year and are designed to highlight and promote local artists while celebrating the region’s culture, landscape, and creative community.
McDonald is a ceramic and mixed media artist whose Winter 2026 installation includes ceramic and collage works inspired by aerial views of the Wiregrass region. Her pieces incorporate imagery drawn from Google Earth, transforming geographic patterns and natural textures into layered artistic compositions.
The exhibition is on display during Visit Dothan’s regular operating hours. Visit Dothan will also be a featured stop during the First Friday Art Crawl on Friday, February 6, 2026, where community members are invited to view McDonald’s work and meet the artist.
Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend and support local art in the Wiregrass area.
The Enterprise Fire Department is reminding residents of the city’s longstanding fireworks ordinance after responding to multiple fire incidents during the New Year holiday that officials believe were linked to fireworks activity.
According to the City of Enterprise, firefighters were dispatched to several fires between Dec. 31, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026, resulting in varying degrees of damage and requiring significant personnel and equipment resources.
“During the New Year holiday, we responded to multiple incidents within a short period of time that could have resulted in serious injury or major property loss,” Fire Chief Christopher Davis said.
Fireworks have been prohibited within Enterprise city limits since September 1999. The ordinance makes it illegal to discharge, ignite, or use fireworks and also bans the sale of fireworks within the city.
“The fireworks ordinance exists to reduce those risks, protect our residents, and help ensure our firefighters are available for true emergencies,” Davis said.
City officials noted that some neighboring jurisdictions may allow consumer fireworks. Residents are encouraged to review local regulations if celebrating outside the Enterprise city limits. Where fireworks are permitted, the Enterprise Fire Department urges individuals to use caution, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid conditions that could easily ignite fires.
“Our priority is safeguarding lives and property,” Davis said. “Our department remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the safety of the community.”
