During the special session called by Governor Ivey last week, House Bill 1 regarding the supplemental appropriations from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, passed (Senate: Yes 26/No 0; House: Yes 100/No 1). The bill was forwarded to the Governor’s desk for immediate signature.

A three-judge federal panel ruled against the State’s new congressional redistricting plan, citing that it is not equitable for African American voters and it preserves a single majority-minority congressional district. Since the 2010 Census, Alabama’s African American population has increased from 24 percent to 27 percent. Conversely, the White population has decreased to 62 percent. Challengers of the plan would like for the congressional maps to be redrawn to create a second majority-minority congressional district. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall may file an appeal and it is highly likely that Governor Ivey will call for another special session to redraw the Congressional maps.

This week, the Legislature will go back into regular session unless the Governor calls for special session the first part of February.