Week 5 Session Recap: Camp Safety Bill Heads to the House Floor, Trey's Law Awaits Governor's Signature

It's been another productive week in Montgomery, and I'm pleased to report that several of my priority bills continue to advance through the legislative process. I'm grateful for the bipartisan support we've seen on bill after bill.

Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act - First on the Floor Tuesday

The biggest news heading into next week is that the Speaker of the House has picked the Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act as the number one bill on Tuesday's calendar. That means it will be the very first bill voted on when we convene.

This is a bill that means a great deal to me personally and to the Marsh family of Mountain Brook. Sarah Marsh was among the 27 young women who lost their lives in the devastating flood at a camp in Texas, and her family has been the driving force behind this legislation. Their goal - and mine - is to make sure Alabama's kids are as safe as they possibly can be when they go to summer camp.

Dr. Jill Marsh accompanied me on Wednesday at out committee hearing on the bill, and gave a speech that I won’t ever forget. She and her family continue to be in my prayers, and her strength and dedication through all this is beyond inspirational.

Even with the success we’ve had so far with the bill, I want to be clear about something: no law can guarantee that an emergency will never happen. We can't prevent severe weather or every possible danger. But what we can do is make sure our camps are prepared. Before this bill, Alabama had virtually no statewide requirements for the safety of campers at overnight camps. That put us behind most other states in the country.

I do need to say that most of Alabama's great camps were already doing many of the things this bill requires - emergency preparedness plans, safety protocols, background checks - whether for their own liability insurance or simply because it was the right thing to do. But here's the key: there was no standard, no review process, and no requirement. A camp had no way of knowing whether what they were doing was sufficient, and there was no professional oversight to confirm it.

This bill changes that. It creates a licensing process through the Emergency Management Agency, so camps will have their emergency plans reviewed by EMA professionals who can say, "Yes, this is right" - or help them improve. It's common sense, and it's going to make kids safer.

Sarah's legacy and the legacy of the Heaven's 27 are going to save young people's lives going forward. That's what this is about, and I'm honored to carry this bill to the House floor.

Trey's Law - Awaiting the Governor's Signature

Trey's Law has now passed both the House and the Senate and is on the governor's desk. I fully expect Governor Ivey to sign it into law in the coming weeks, and we'll likely have a formal bill signing ceremony. This has been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful to Elizabeth Phillips, whose tireless advocacy on behalf of her brother Trey made this possible. Once signed, Alabama will join a growing number of states ensuring that survivors of abuse can never be silenced by a non-disclosure agreement.

Self-Defense Accountability Act Moves Through the Senate

HB 192, my self-defense accountability bill, has passed the House and is now in the Senate. I've already reached out to the Senate committee chairman to get the bill scheduled for a hearing, and I'm hopeful it will be up in committee this coming week. This bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I'm confident it will receive the same consideration in the Senate. If you're claiming self-defense, you need to keep the weapon. That's a principle that district attorneys across the state support, and it's one that just makes sense.

Computer Science Graduation Requirement Passes the House

I'm excited to share that my computer science graduation requirement bill passed the House floor this week. This is a bill I've been working on for more than a year. Last session, I got it through the House but ran out of time before it could pass the Senate. This year, I'm determined to see it across the finish line.

Making computer science a graduation requirement ensures that every Alabama student has exposure to the skills that are shaping our economy and our future. It's now in the Senate and ready for committee consideration.

Arson Law Reform - Protecting Shoppers and Workers

A new bill I'm bringing forward addresses a troubling trend we've seen in our communities. In Homewood and elsewhere, criminals have been setting fires inside retail stores as a diversion to commit theft. They create chaos, put shoppers and employees in danger, and cause tremendous damage to the store - all to steal merchandise.

My bill amends Alabama's arson in the first degree law to cover these situations. If someone sets a fire or explosion to commit theft, and the combined damage and stolen goods exceed $25,000, they can be charged with arson in the first degree. This bill passed out of the Judiciary Committee this week and will be on the House floor Thursday. Our store employees and customers deserve to feel safe, and the people who put them at risk need to face serious consequences.

Guardianship and Conservatorship Reform

Also heading to the House floor Tuesday alongside the Camp Safety Act is my Alabama Law Institute bill updating our state's guardianship and conservatorship laws. This legislation has been vetted by a team of ALI lawyers since 2019, and it makes important revisions to how we protect some of Alabama's most vulnerable citizens. It passed out of Judiciary Committee this week and is ready for a floor vote.

Community Foundations and Victims' Rights

Two additional bills are moving through the process. I passed a bill out of the Budget Committee that renews the sales and use tax exemption for community foundations across Alabama. These foundations do vital work in our communities, and this renewal ensures they can continue to operate effectively.

I've also just introduced a bill to add a voluntary donation checkbox on Alabama income tax returns for the Victims' Assistance Fund. This won't cost taxpayers anything - it simply gives people the option to donate to support victims of crime when they file their taxes. It's a small thing, but it puts the opportunity in front of every Alabamian who files a return.

Good Bills Get Good Results

One thing I'm particularly proud of this session is the bipartisan support these bills have received. Camp safety, Trey's Law, the self-defense bill, the computer science requirement - these have all passed with overwhelming, often unanimous votes. I believe that when you bring good legislation to the floor, you get good results.

I don't take credit for most of the ideas behind these bills. Elizabeth Phillips brought me the idea for Trey's Law. The Marsh family brought my attention to develop the camp safety bill. The district attorneys brought me the self-defense accountability bill. People across Alabama bring me ideas for legislation, and my job is to evaluate them and ask: Is this a good idea? Does it make sense? Does it make our state better? Is this good for the people of Alabama?

When the answer is yes, I carry the bill. And when the bill is good, we get the kind of results we've seen this session - broad, bipartisan support from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I'm grateful for that support, and I thank my colleagues in the House for standing behind these measures.

Looking Ahead

Next week will be a full one. The Camp Safety Act and the guardianship bill are up Tuesday. The arson reform bill is scheduled for Thursday. And I'll continue pushing the Senate to move on HB 192 and the computer science bill. With about three or four bills already in the Senate and several more heading there soon, we're right on track for a productive session.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of District 46. If you have questions or concerns about any of these bills or anything happening in Montgomery, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Until next week,

David Faulkner
Alabama House District 46

Week 4 Session Recap: Self-Defense Bill Passes Unanimously, Key Legislation Advances

I know - I’m a few days late on the update. We’ve been busy! We had a productive fourth week of the 2026 Legislative Session, with one of my bills clearing the House floor with unanimous bipartisan support and several others taking major steps forward.

HB 192: Requiring Accountability for Deadly Force

The biggest news this week was the passage of HB 192, which I carried on behalf of Alabama's district attorneys and the Office of Prosecution Services. The bill passed 104–0, with every member of the House chamber voting in favor - Democrats and Republicans alike.

Photo from The Alabama Reflector

This is a straightforward, commonsense bill. If you commit a violent act against another person and claim self-defense, you need to keep the weapon you used. If you dispose of that weapon, the court will presume that you did not use it in self-defense. That is what we call a rebuttable presumption - it means the burden shifts to you to explain why you no longer have the weapon.

A lot of people have started calling this the "don't dump the gun" bill, and while I can’t take credit for that name, I do think that captures it well. District attorneys across the state have had a real problem with individuals who claim self-defense but then get rid of the weapon they allegedly used. This bill addresses that head-on.

Now, I want to be clear: this is a presumption that can be overcome. I think this is where it has gotten a little off track in some conversations. If the weapon fell into a lake during the incident, or if someone else took it from you during the altercation, you can present those facts to the court and overcome the presumption. The law simply says that if you do not have the weapon and cannot explain why, then the court is going to presume you did not use it in self-defense.

This was my second bill to pass off the House floor this session, and it has now moved to the Senate. I was enthused to carry this bill, and the unanimous vote reflects that this is legislation that makes sense for everyone.

Trey's Law Heads to the Governor

This week I expect to pass Senator Matt Wood's Senate version of Trey's Law on the House floor. Because his bill is identical to mine, passing the Senate version means the bill goes directly to the Governor for her signature. This is the final legislative step, and I am confident Trey's Law will soon become Alabama law.

This has been a meaningful journey, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make it happen - especially Elizabeth Phillips, whose tireless advocacy on behalf of her brother Trey made this legislation possible.

Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act: Committee Hearing This Week

The Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act is up in the State Government Committee on Wednesday at three o'clock. I am very excited to present this bill, and I have been working closely with county governments and various stakeholders to ensure it is in the best possible shape. I will be offering some amendments in committee that reflect reasonable input we have received, and I believe the bill is stronger for it.

Sarah Marsh's mother, Jill, will be in Montgomery for the hearing. Sarah's family lives in Mountain Brook, and this bill is deeply personal to me. Honoring Sarah and the other 26 girls who are part of Heaven's 27 by saving lives going forward - that means an awful lot.

I expect the bill to move to the House floor early next week, likely Tuesday or Thursday.

Computer Science: From Classroom to Graduation Requirement

I also passed my computer science graduation requirement bill out of committee last week, and it is now ready for the House floor. This is a bill I have been working on for years, and it represents the next step in a journey that has positioned Alabama as a national leader in computer science education.

Let me give you a little history. Several years ago, I started with legislation mandating that every high school in Alabama offer computer science courses. Then I expanded that to middle schools and junior high, and then down to elementary schools. Alabama became the first state in the nation to meet all nine of Code.org's minimum requirements for computer science in state law. We were not the first state to mandate that computer science be offered - we were about the sixth - but we were the first to meet all nine of the Code.org benchmarks.

This new bill takes us to the tenth requirement: making computer science a graduation requirement. The State Board of Education has already moved in this direction, but this legislation codifies it into Alabama state law. That means it is not just a board policy - it is the law of the land.

I want to note that certain math and science courses, like AP classes, can satisfy the computer science graduation requirement. And while computer science is not, in and of itself, a college and career readiness indicator, it is now a graduation requirement. I expect this bill to move through the House quickly.

I tried to get this bill across the finish line last year and ran out of time before it reached the Senate floor. This year, I intend to see it through.

Other Committee Work

In addition to these major bills, I passed two other pieces of legislation out of committee this week. One was a bill for the Veterans and Military Committee that makes technical updates to positions in the Office of Legal Services for the Alabama National Guard. I also moved an Alabama Law Institute bill updating our state's laws on guardianships and conservatorships. Alabama Law Institute bills are heavily vetted, and I am confident this one will do well as it advances.

Looking Ahead

This is shaping up to be a busy stretch. Trey's Law should be signed into law soon. The Camp Safety Act is moving through committee this week and should be on the floor next week. My computer science bill is ready for a floor vote. And HB 192 is now in the Senate's hands.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve District 46, and I look forward to keeping you updated as these bills continue to advance.

Until the next update,
David
Alabama House District 46

Week 3 Session Recap: Major Progress on Key Legislation

As we wrapped up the third week of the 2026 Legislative Session, I'm pleased to report significant movement on several bills that have been priorities for me and for the families who inspired them.

Trey's Law Nears the Finish Line

The most exciting news this week is that Trey's Law has now passed both chambers and is on track for final passage. My bill passed the House on Tuesday and is now ready for a Senate committee hearing. Meanwhile, the identical Senate version carried by Senator Matt Woods passed out of House committee and will be up for final House floor vote on Thursday.

Once we achieve final passage Thursday, the bill goes to Governor Ivey. I have every reason to believe she will sign it quickly, and I expect Trey's Law will become Alabama law within about 30 days.

I want to take a moment to recognize Elizabeth Phillips, who is the reason this bill exists. Elizabeth came to Birmingham last fall, sat down with me, and explained what Trey's Law would do and why it matters. She has been traveling the country, state by state, working to address the problem of non-disclosure agreements that silence survivors of sexual abuse. Her work honors her brother Trey, and I commend her for her tireless advocacy. I fully expect other states will pass Trey's Law because of her efforts.

For those wondering what the law actually does: it prohibits agreements that prevent someone from disclosing the facts of sexual abuse they experienced. You can still have confidentiality around settlement amounts and other provisions, but you cannot be legally silenced about the abuse itself. This is straightforward policy that protects survivors while still allowing parties to reach settlements. The law applies to agreements going forward after the effective date.

Camp Safety Legislation Gets Official Name

I had planned to file our camp safety bill this week, but we made the decision to take a few extra days to address concerns raised by camp owners and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. That collaboration has been productive, and I will be filing the bill on Tuesday.

The bill now has an official name: the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act. Sarah was the only member of Heavens 27 who was not from Texas. Heaven’s 27, of course, refers to all the young girls who lost their lives in the tragic flood at a camp in Texas. This legislation will honor Sarah's memory by helping ensure Alabama's overnight camps have proper emergency preparedness measures in place.

I want to thank Emily Schultz, who has been invaluable in helping me develop this bill and serving as a liaison with Patrick and Jill Marsh, Sarah's parents. I also appreciate the camp owners who have taken time to work with us. They share our goal of keeping children as safe as possible when they attend overnight camp.

The bill will require all overnight camps to obtain an emergency preparedness license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. This includes having approved emergency response plans for situations like tornadoes, severe weather, and floods. It will also require criminal background checks on camp staff as a matter of state law. Most camps already conduct these checks for insurance purposes, but this codifies the requirement.

An important distinction: this applies to overnight camps where campers stay the night, not day camps where you drop off and pick up your child the same day.

Governor Ivey has offered her full support, and I expect she will issue a press release when we file the bill Tuesday.

Self-Defense Bill Ready for Floor Vote

My bill addressing self-defense and the rebuttable presumption regarding disposed weapons was on the calendar for Friday but we adjourned before reaching it. It will be back on the calendar Tuesday and I expect it to move forward.

The Sabans Visit Montgomery

One of the highlights of this week was a joint meeting of House and Senate members with Nick and Terry Saban. Both Democrats and Republicans gathered to hear about the Saban Center and what it will mean for Alabama education.

I want to be clear about what the legislature is funding versus what the Sabans have contributed. Nick and Terry, along with private donors, have funded the building itself, all the state-of-the-art technology, and everything that will make it a first-class facility. The legislature is funding the teacher training programs that will take place there. This is about giving our teachers access to experts from around the country who can share best practices in STEM education.

What struck me most was Coach Saban's message. He talked about how his father instilled in him the importance of giving back and helping young people become the most successful they can be. That was his message to his players, and it is the mission he wants to carry forward through Nick's Kids Foundation and the Saban Center long after he and Terry are gone.

The Sabans already have given over 100 scholarships through Nick's Kids Foundation to help students attend the University of Alabama. This center continues their legacy of investing in Alabama's future.

I was particularly impressed by their commitment to being there. They were at a conference in San Diego on Tuesday and had to be in New York on Wednesday afternoon. They said they were not going to miss the opportunity to speak to the legislature about this. They flew in from San Diego, drove to Montgomery, spoke to us, and then flew to New York. That kind of dedication says everything about who they are.

Weather and Session Update

I am thankful that the severe weather that affected our neighboring states, particularly Tennessee and the Oxford, Mississippi area, did not significantly impact Alabama. Our session started as scheduled at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

We remain on pace for an early adjournment, likely in the first half of April. Our three-day session weeks are helping us complete the people's business more efficiently.

Looking Ahead

Next week brings several important votes. I expect final passage of Trey's Law on Thursday, the filing of the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act on Tuesday, and continued progress on my self-defense bill. I will keep you updated as these and other matters develop.

As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve District 46.
David

Week 2 Session Recap: Trey's Law Passes the House

The second week of the 2026 legislative session brought meaningful progress on several fronts, including a major milestone for survivor protections in Alabama.

Trey's Law Passes Unanimously

I'm proud to share that Trey's Law passed the House floor this week with 98 yes votes and zero opposition. This bill prohibits non-disclosure agreements from silencing survivors of sexual abuse. While settlement agreements can still protect financial terms and other details, victims can never be forced to stay quiet about the abuse itself.

The bill is named after Trey Carlock, who took his own life after an NDA prevented him from speaking about the abuse he endured. His sister, Elizabeth Phillips, came to Montgomery months ago to share Trey's story with me, and she has been advocating for this change across the country. Her courage and persistence made this possible.

A companion bill carried by Senator Matt Woods passed the Senate the day before our House vote, so both bills now move to the opposite chambers. I look forward to seeing Trey's Law signed into law and hope it serves as a model for other states.

Camp Safety Bill Coming Soon

Work continues on the camp safety bill that will honor Sarah Marsh and the 26 other young women who lost their lives in a tragic flood at a Texas camp last year. This week we had productive conversations with the Alabama Camp Association, camp owners, and the Emergency Management Agency.

The bill is in its final drafting stages, and I plan to file it next Thursday. Our goal is to codify commonsense safety standards - emergency response plans, criminal background checks, and other measures that responsible camps already follow. No parent should have to wonder whether their child is safe at summer camp.

Supporting Law Enforcement: Self-Defense Evidence Bill

I also passed a bill out of the Judiciary Committee this week on behalf of our district attorneys and the Office of Prosecution Services. This legislation addresses a gap in how self-defense claims are evaluated.

Under this bill, if someone claims they killed or injured another person in self-defense, they must retain the weapon they used. If the weapon has been disposed of, a rebuttable presumption is established that the act was not in self-defense. The accused can still overcome that presumption by explaining to the court why the weapon is no longer available, but the burden shifts appropriately. This is a reasonable step to ensure that self-defense claims are supported by evidence.

Investing in Education

Education remains one of my top priorities, and this week I filed a bill to make computer science a high school graduation requirement in Alabama. We've made great strides in recent years - my computer science education bill passed in 2019 required every high school to offer at least one CS course - but we need to go further. In today's economy, computer science literacy is as foundational as reading and math. Our students deserve to graduate prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

Session Timeline and What's Ahead

Leadership remains focused on an efficient session, and I expect us to wrap up by early April - roughly two weeks ahead of the normal schedule. With primary elections on May 19, the priority is passing the budgets, moving good legislation through, and getting members back to their districts.

Weather Update for Jefferson County

Finally, a quick note on the weather. I receive regular updates from Jefferson County's Emergency Management Agency, and the latest reports are more encouraging than earlier forecasts. It looks like our area may see rain rather than ice, though we should still expect freezing temperatures from Sunday night through Tuesday. Please take precautions, check on neighbors, and stay safe.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about anything happening at the state level, don't hesitate to reach out. Hearing from you helps me serve District 46 better.

Until next week,

David Faulkner
Alabama House District 46

First Week in Montgomery: Session is Off and Running

We wrapped up the first week of the 2026 legislative session, and I wanted to take a moment to fill you in on what happened and what's ahead.

A Fast Start

This was one of the busiest first weeks I can remember. We had a record-setting number of bills come out of committee on Wednesday alone. There's a real sense of urgency this year - with May primaries on the calendar, leadership wants to get the important work done efficiently so members can get back to their districts.

Budget News

The Governor sent over her proposed budget, and the good news is that it maintains level funding across the board. We're also looking at a teacher pay raise, which I expect will move forward. That said, we're being cautious. While this year's budget looks stable, we've been warned that fiscal year 2028 could be tighter. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, but it's on our radar.

Bills I'm Working On

I've already dropped a couple of pieces of legislation this session:

Trey's Law is out of committee and moving forward. This bill makes it unenforceable for any agreement - whether it's an NDA, a settlement, or an employment contract - to silence survivors of sexual abuse. No legal document should be used to protect abusers or prevent victims from speaking about what happened to them.

I'm also finalizing a Camp Safety bill that I expect to file by the end of the month. This one is personal. After the tragic loss of Sarah Marsh - a young girl from our district who died at a summer camp in Texas - I've been working with her parents, the Governor's office, EMA, and the Alabama Camp Association to put real safety requirements into law. We're talking about things like mandatory emergency response plans and criminal background checks for staff. My hope is that every good camp in Alabama is already doing these things, but we need it codified so there are no gaps.

I've also filed some technical bills through the Alabama Law Institute dealing with business entity code updates and reforms to our guardianship and conservatorship laws. Not the flashiest stuff, but important work to keep our legal framework current.

New Faces

We welcomed four new members to the House this week. Even though the new quadrennium doesn't start until next year, we've had some turnover - folks moving to the Senate or stepping away for other reasons. The new members all seem like great additions, and I look forward to working alongside them.

A Personal Highlight

On a lighter note, I had family in the building this week. My cousin Sarah Frances came up from Mobile to serve as my House Page. She got to attend the State of the State address, meet Governor Ivey, and even spend some time with Chief Justice Sarah Stewart. It was a week she won't soon forget - and honestly, having her there made it a little more special for me too.

Looking Ahead

I don't expect a lot of fireworks this session. The focus will be on getting the budgets passed, moving good legislation through, and wrapping up in time for the campaign season. That said, It’s my intention to be here each week keeping you posted on what's happening in Montgomery.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about anything at the state level, don't hesitate to reach out. Hearing from you helps me do this job better.

Until next week,

David Faulkner
Alabama House District 46

Protecting Survivors' Right to Speak: Trey's Law Advances in the Alabama House

One of my priorities this session has been advancing legislation that protects Alabamians from harm - and supports those who have already experienced it. That's why I'm proud to sponsor Trey's Law, which passed out of committee during the first week of the 2026 session.

What Trey's Law Does

Trey's Law addresses a troubling reality: for too long, survivors of sexual abuse have been legally silenced through nondisclosure agreements, confidentiality clauses, settlement terms, and other contractual provisions. These documents - sometimes signed under duress or as a condition of employment - have prevented victims from sharing their experiences, warning others, or fully participating in the healing process.

This legislation changes that. Trey's Law renders unenforceable any agreement that prohibits someone from disclosing sexual abuse. It applies to nondisclosure agreements, confidentiality agreements, employment contracts, settlement agreements, and similar documents entered into or amended on or after October 1, 2026.

Importantly, the bill is narrowly tailored. It voids only the provisions related to sexual abuse disclosure—not other elements of an agreement, such as compensation terms. The goal is simple: ensure that no legal document can be used to silence a survivor or shield an abuser.

Why This Matters

Sexual abuse causes profound and lasting harm. Survivors often carry trauma for years, and research consistently shows that the ability to speak openly about one's experience is an important part of recovery. Beyond the individual, there is a compelling public interest in allowing these stories to be told. When survivors are silenced, perpetrators can continue to harm others. Transparency protects everyone.

The legislative findings in this bill recognize these realities. Alabama has a responsibility to support survivors - not to enable systems that keep them quiet.

What Happens Next

Trey's Law has cleared committee and will continue moving through the legislative process. If passed and signed into law, it will take effect on October 1, 2026.

I'll continue to keep you updated as this bill progresses. If you have questions or want to share your thoughts, I always welcome hearing from the people I represent.

David Faulkner Qualifies for Re-Election to Alabama House, District 46

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — David Faulkner, Republican State Representative for Alabama House of Representatives District 46, has officially qualified to seek re-election, citing a proven record focused on education, job creation, and protecting Alabama families.

Faulkner said education and economic development have always gone hand-in-hand during his time in the Legislature, emphasizing that Alabama’s ability to attract and retain businesses depends on preparing a skilled, educated workforce.

“Education and economic development have always been top priorities for me,” Faulkner said. “If we want to create good-paying jobs and keep businesses here, we must prepare our workforce. That starts with every child reading on grade level by the end of third grade and graduating high school college- and career-ready.”

Legislative Accomplishments

Faulkner has sponsored and carried legislation strengthening Alabama’s economy, improving education, and enhancing public safety, including:

  • Alabama Uniform Minimum Wage & Right-to-Work Act (HB 174, 2016) — Sponsored and passed legislation prohibiting local governments from setting their own minimum wage or employment benefit requirements, ensuring statewide consistency and protecting Alabama’s job climate.

  • Lulu’s Law (HB 437, 2025) — Carried legislation establishing a shark alert system along Alabama’s Gulf Coast to warn beachgoers and first responders of nearby shark activity. The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law.

  • Alfa Health Plans Legislation (HB 477, 2025) — Served as House sponsor for legislation authorizing the Alabama Farmers Federation to offer Alfa Health Plans, expanding affordable health insurance options for farmers, small businesses, and the self-employed.

  • Computer Science Education Expansion (HB 332, 2025) — Sponsored landmark legislation making computer science instruction mandatory in all K–12 schools over time. Alabama became the first state to adopt all nine of Code.org’s computer science education standards and among the earliest states nationwide to require computer science education.

David Faulkner with Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl

Education, Leadership & Support

Faulkner is a strong supporter of Alabama’s nationally recognized First Class Pre-K program and has consistently advocated for early literacy and workforce readiness. He currently serves as an elected member of the Legislative Council, Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee, and as a member of the Budget, Judiciary, and Insurance Committees.

He is endorsed by ALFA / Alabama Farmers Federation, the Business Council of Alabama, Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama Association of Realtors, Alabama Retail Association, Manufacture Alabama, Alabama Grocers Association, Alabama Road Builders Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Alabama General Contractors, and the Alabama Trucking Association.

Faulkner is a two-time recipient of the Restaurant & Hospitality Association’s Legislator Award and has received Legislator of the Year honors from numerous business and industry organizations statewide.

“When we invest in education, support job creators, protect children, and back law enforcement and veterans, Alabama wins,” Faulkner said.

Supporting the State of Israel - HR201

STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE DAVID FAULKNER OF ALABAMA DISTRICT 46

Montgomery, AL – In light of the recent events involving a heinous attack by Hamas on Israel, I, State Representative David Faulkner of Alabama District 46, stand resolutely in the sponsorship of Alabama State House of Representatives Resolution HR201.

The Alabama House of Representatives recognizes the enduring bond between the United States and the State of Israel. It is essential that we affirm our commitment to the security, welfare, and survival of Israel. Our thoughts are with the innocent Israeli civilians affected by these attacks, especially the families and communities mourning their loved ones.

The tactics of using civilian population centers as a shield by Hamas are condemnable, and the organization's acts are a blatant infringement on Israel's right to defend its citizens. The coinciding of these attacks with the Jewish Sabbath and the celebration of the Sukkoth holiday is a grim reminder of the depths to which this organization will go to cause chaos and heartache.

The passage of HR201 is not just symbolic; it is a testament to Alabama's commitment to the State of Israel and our absolute condemnation of acts of terror. The Speaker, Speaker Pro-Tem, as well as many other members of the Alabama House join me in supporting this Resolution. Our longstanding bond with Israel is strengthened with such legislative actions, and our thoughts remain steadfastly with the innocent Israeli civilians affected.

We call upon our fellow American states to join us in condemning Hamas and recognizing Israel's inherent right to act decisively in self-defense. Furthermore, we urge the United States Congress to extend all necessary support to Israel in its defense against Hamas and all entities threatening its peace and security.

Our deepest condolences go out to all the victims, and we commend the resilience and bravery of the State of Israel and its people. Alabama law enforcement is reminded to stay vigilant and ensure the safety and protection of Israeli Americans, Jewish Americans, and all supporters of Israel.

In unity and peace,
State Representative David Faulkner
Alabama District 46

Jefferson County Amendment 1 on November 8th

Friends and Constituents,

On the November 8, 2022 ballots, please vote all the way down through your voting sheet. In Jefferson County, you'll see a vote for Amendment 1. I heard from many of you about the constant increase in your property taxes.

As a result, I passed a bill to allow for those 65 years of age and older to claim a senior property tax exemption to freeze their property taxes from going up. This is aimed to assist our elderly population - who most often are on a fixed income - in not having their planned finances affected by any aggressive rate raises.

But, for this to become law, you must go to the polls and vote for this amendment on November 8th! I hope you will vote YES for this amendment, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions about it.

A "yes" vote on Amendment 1 supports amending the Alabama Constitution to allow a qualified taxpayer age 65 or over to claim a senior property tax exemption on the taxpayer's principal place of residence when the home has been the person's principal residence for at least five years. Please vote on November 8th!

Continuing Public Service

Friends and Constituents,

For the last 8 years, it has been my honor and pleasure to represent you in the Alabama House of Representatives. I consider public service to be of the highest calling, and I have tried to represent and serve you well. I realize I may not always agree with everyone on every issue, but I have done my best to be accessible to and listen to the people I represent. At the end of the day, I have sincerely tried to do what I thought was right for the District I represent and the State of Alabama.

Serving on the Rules Committee, I have tried to advance the right bills. Serving on the Budget Committee, I have tried to be a good steward of your tax dollars. Education and Economic Development remain my top priorities. It has been an honor and so impactful to me to have co-chaired the State of Alabama Children’s Cabinet with the Governor, to serve on the Alabama Holocaust Commission, and to be Co-Chair of the Alabama Legislative Prayer Caucus. I do try daily to pray and ask for God’s wisdom in all the decisions I make as your State Representative.

In my tenure, I believe we have accomplished great things for the State of Alabama and Jefferson County. We are consistently fighting for you, and I heard from many of you about the constant increase in your property taxes. As a result, I passed a bill to allow for those 65 years of age and older to claim a senior property tax exemption to freeze their property taxes from going up. But, for this to become law, you must go to the polls and vote for this amendment on November 8th! I hope you will vote YES for this amendment, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions about it.

Please go vote on November the 8th! This is an important election, and please vote all the way down the ballot! There are important races for Governor, U.S. Senate and Sheriff to name a few! While I have no named opposition, I am up for election, and my name will appear on your ballot for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 46, and I ask for your support and vote.

I love this State, and want it to continue to be a great and safe State to live in, work, worship and educate and raise your family. Again, thank you for allowing me to serve you in House District 46. It continues to be the greatest honor of my lifetime.

Sincerely,

David Faulkner

Improving Alabama's Math Scores

A week ago, the Alabama House awarded final passage to the Numeracy Act. What we are looking to do here is bring focus and attention back upon what has been (for way too long) a largely ignored problem.

Not good: Alabama public school students rank 52nd in the nation in math proficiency. (Yes, behind Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia)

Some stats:

  • Only 22% of Alabama students were proficient in math on the 2021 ACAP state assessment, including only 11% of low-income students and 7% of black students.

  • In addition 28 K-5 schools in Alabama currently 0% of students proficient in math.

The Numeracy Act aims to follow a model that was proven successful by other programs such as the Alabama Reading Initiative and the Alabama Literacy Act in order to focus educational resources.

For everyone with Common Core concerns, here is the first line of the bill:

This bill would establish the Alabama Numeracy Act and would prohibit the use of the curriculum standards, commonly known as the Common Core State Standards, in public K-12 schools.

To clear any confusion, the responsibility for setting curriculum standards lies with the State Board of Education, NOT with the Alabama Legislature.

The Numeracy Act will create a new Office of Mathematics Improvement within the State Department of Education and task the office with ensuring that students are at or above grade-level proficiency in math by fifth grade.

The Act will also allow the State Department of Education to intervene in schools that continue to perform below expected levels, even after additional resources are put in place. Much like the Alabama Reading Initiative successfully raised reading scores statewide by placing specially-trained reading coaches in public schools, the Numeracy Act will locate specially-trained math coaches in areas where they are needed.

As I’ve stated many times, education and access to it is of major importance to me. 52nd is unacceptable, and we’re going to do something about it, and I’m energized that the Numeracy Act brings attention and resources to this issue.

Post-Script: Received this note from A+ Education Partnership out of Montgomery late last week:

Dear Representative Faulkner: 

Thank you for making your voice heard! The Alabama Legislature passed Senate Bill 171, The Alabama Numeracy Act, with strong bipartisan support. The bill now moves to Governor Ivey to sign. We look forward to supporting educators in the successful implementation and execution of this bill.

The Alabama Numeracy Act creates a comprehensive statewide plan to improve math achievement. The bill adds intensive support and funding for teachers and schools including: K-5 math coaches in every elementary school, training for teachers and principals, high-quality instructional materials and curricula for teachers to use in the classroom, intensive interventions for struggling students, and accountability to ensure schools are making progress.

As always, we are thankful for your partnership. Our work could not happen without you!

American Rescue Plan Update

The American Rescue Plan is complicated, and you can read more about it here.

In this update, I just want to pass along some items of activity that we are working on in regards to three areas: Volunteer Fire Departments, Rural Hospitals, and Broadband Expansion.

For our VFDs, round 3 grants were awarded for a great number of Alabama VFDs, with the Round 3 VFDs receiving their amounts this week. (If not already.) More than half of the 972 VFDs have either been paid or will be paid this week - and nearly 90% of Alabama VFDs have applied and are being reviewed for approval.

For our rural hospitals, $30 million was appropriated to establish COVID recovery grants for rural hospitals. (This is in addition to the $40 million allocated for distribution by the Alabama Hospital Association.) Eligible rural hospitals are determined by the SHPDA, with grant amount based on bed count. This is just the first round, and I anticipate more forthcoming.

Broadband access: the $276 million has been appropriated for broadband expansion was transferred to ADECA earlier this week, and their new Alabama Digital Expansion Division will begin deploying these funds in the coming months.

Appealing to Teachers for Public Schools

On March 31st, the Legislature gave final approval to a bill by State Rep. Alan Baker (R- Brewton) that will improve retirement benefits for newly-hired educators.

As you know, education has been one of my highest priorities since entering public service, and I have had countless conversations with educators and administrators on the struggles our teachers face - and to get the best for our children, we must be competitive in recruiting talented teachers to our public school systems.

While the Legislature had originally tightened retirement benefits for educators hired after 2012 - this was done in an effort to assist with lagging finances in the Teachers’ Retirement System - it came to show that recruiting new teachers in recent years was becoming more and more difficult.

So, rather than requiring reachers hired under the Tier II retirement plan to work until 62 before collecting any retirement benefits, Baker’s bill allows the teacher to retire at any age as long as they have a minimum of 30 years of creditable service.

This bill also falls in with the previously passed law that allows Tier II educators to bank sick leave and apply that time towards retirement.

While this doesn’t solve everything, I want to recognize ‘wins’ whenever we can. And this is a step in the right direction. Our teachers sacrifice so much of their own lives for our children, and we can’t just assume that they will always be able to step up and just make it happen. Alabama is just one of many states across the country suffering from teacher shortages in public school classrooms. This is a great step towards making our public school systems attractive in our recruitment of talented teachers.

Absentee Voting Period for May 24th Primaries Has Started!

Important absentee voting deadlines are listed below:

May 17, 2022: The last day that absentee ballot applications can be returned by mail.
May 19, 2022: The last day that absentee ballot applications can be returned by hand.
May 23, 2022: The last day to return absentee ballots by hand to the Absentee Election Manager.
May 24, 2022: Absentee ballots must be returned by mail to the absentee election manager no later than noon.

How do you get an absentee ballot? Click here or you can request your local Absentee Election Manager’s office. Voters can also contact the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at 334 242-7210 to request an absentee ballot application.

Voters who are eligible to vote pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) will have until May 24, 2022 to postmark an absentee ballot.

If you have a question or concern, contact the Secretary of State’s Office Elections Division at 334 242-7210.

Governor Ivey Announces Funds Transferred to ADEM for Statewide Water and Sewer Projects

Learn more about our water and sewer projects, click here.
From the office of The Governor:

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that the Alabama Department of Finance has signed an agreement with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) that officially provides $225 million in COVID-19 relief funds to ADEM for grants to provide or improve water and sewer services to residents across the state.

The money is from Alabama’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds passed by Congress in 2021. The Alabama Legislature appropriated the $225 million for high-needs water and sewer projects during a Special Session called by Governor Ivey in January. In its appropriation, the Legislature directed the funds to the Department of Finance and designated ADEM to oversee the program.

The memorandum of agreement signed by the Department of Finance and ADEM will provide the funds to ADEM to be distributed as grants to “qualifying public water and sewer systems for the purpose of improving access to clean water and sewer infrastructure projects and the economic impact thereof,” according to the agreement. ADEM will implement the “Water and Sewer Infrastructure COVID-19 Recovery Fund Program” using criteria that weighs the water and sewer systems’ infrastructure needs and their financial needs.

“Every Alabamian should have access to clean drinking water and safe, sanitary disposal of wastewater,” said Governor Ivey. “We are extremely pleased that through this program we are able to make that a reality for many of our citizens who have lacked such basic services. Not only will these projects improve access to clean drinking water and sanitary sewers, they will also generate economic activity and create jobs by pumping millions of dollars into communities, many of which are rural and far from large industries and big employers. This is truly a win-win for the people of Alabama.”

Of the $225 million, the Legislature appropriated $120 million for grants to public water or sewer systems with previously identified emergency or high-need projects and do not require a local match; $100 million for grants to public water and sewer systems that may require local matching funds based on their ability to pay; and $5 million for grants to demonstration projects in the Black Belt to address sewage disposal problems prevalent in rural, low-population-density areas where poor soil conditions prevent wastewater from septic systems from being absorbed into the ground.

ADEM already manages two State Revolving Fund loan programs – one for drinking water systems, the other for sewer systems.

It announced Tuesday that 398 of the state’s 1,061 public water and sewer systems – 37 percent – already had applied for grants under the COVID-19 Recovery Fund Program.

“This is an indication of the tremendous needs that exist among water and sewer systems,” said ADEM Director Lance LeFleur. “It is also indicative of the vast water and sewer infrastructure needs across the country due to aging systems, increased demand because of population growth and the need to provide services to people who are currently unserved or underserved. Many of these systems haven’t upgraded their infrastructure in 40 to 50 years.”

The General Fund

Friends,
Wanted to provide a quick note and overview of the General Fund passed this past week in Montgomery:

Passing of the General Fund

We did approve a $2.74 billion General Fund budget, which provides for the largest spending plan for non-education states agencies in Alabama history. The General Fund devotes millions of one-time revenue dollars toward paying off long-term debts, which continues our Republican leadership’s responsible spending practices.

Alabama Trust Fund Debt

In order to balance the General Fund budget, $437 million was transferred from the Alabama Trust Fund around 10 years ago. (The Alabama Trust Fund collects royalties form offshore drilling rights.)

I am proud to say the Fiscal Year 2023 budget approved on Thursday will make good on the $143 million remainder to the Alabama Trust Fund, COMPLETING repayment on what was owed. This is a good thing!

Medicaid and Mental Health Agencies

The General Fund also provides funding increases for the state’s Medicaid and Mental Health agencies - this will include a 4% pay raise for state employees. (Part of the House Republican Caucus’ 2023 “Standing Tall for Alabama” legislative agenda.)

State Government to Receive One-Time Bonus

State government retirees are scheduled to receive a one-time bonus based upon years of service. For the math, the amount of each retiree bonus would be determined by multiplying $24 by # of years of service.

City governments, county governments, and local boards that participate in RSA would also be authorized to award identical bonuses if they so choose. (Also part of the “Standing Tall for Alabama” agenda.)

Department of Mental Health

The General Fund also adds an additional $36 million to the Senate’s allocation for the Department of Mental Health - with these funds to be used in funding new crisis centers across the state.

Additional

Also within the budget are increases for additional funding for district attorneys, the Alabama Department of Corrections, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Is this everything that we are trying to do? Of course not, but it’s a great step forward with responsible fiscal management and providing assistance for many areas of need. Still much work to do, and my colleagues and I are determined to continue to work hard for Alabama.

ALABAMA'S COVID-19 VACCINATION LATEST INFO

Friends, I want everyone to have the latest information possible regarding vaccine information for our state. Please see below press release from the Governor’s office.

Peace,
David

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                          

Friday, January 8, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Available for Alabamians 75 Years Old and Older, First Responders, and Law Enforcement Effective January 18

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on Friday announced that ADPH will provide COVID-19 vaccinations for people 75 years old or older, as well as first responders, including law enforcement and firefighters, statewide by appointment only effective January 18. Appointments at locations throughout the state are made first come, first served. The addition of these groups is not a full expansion into the next phase of the vaccine rollout.

“I appreciate the swift work of ADPH to establish a system to efficiently provide our limited resources of vaccine to as many Alabamians as possible,” Governor Ivey said. “We have previously worked to provide vaccines to our health care workers who are on the front lines of the pandemic, and now, are diligently working to expand access to our seniors, law enforcement officers and various members of our first responders. It is critical for everyone to remain patient; demand is high, and supply is low. ADPH and their partners are working around-the-clock to assist as many people as they can.”

Alabama continues to vaccinate more than 326,000 health care workers and nursing home residents who are most at-risk of contracting COVID-19. As the vaccine uptake for this category is satisfied, ADPH is now encouraging sites to vaccinate persons in the 75-plus age group and those in the law enforcement and firefighter vocations in order to prevent any loss of vaccine due to cold chain storage requirements.

“We recognize that demand for vaccine exceeds supply,” said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. “While there is still an insufficient amount of the vaccine supply, we want to maximize our resources to help protect Alabamians at high risk. County health departments are working with their local points of distribution to assess what their vaccination reach has been. Decisions about the next groups to vaccinate are made at the community level with community engagement. If the very high-risk population has been covered adequately, providers can then begin vaccinating people in the other priority groups.”

Nearly 350,000 people in the state of Alabama would qualify for a vaccine at 75 years old and older.

To schedule an appointment for the free COVID-19 vaccination, individuals may call the ADPH toll-free phone number at 1-855-566-5333. Telephone calls are answered from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. seven days a week.

Vaccination locations can be viewed at this link, https://go.usa.gov/xARKp and additional specific information, such as what to bring and what to wear, will be provided when appointments are made .

If wanting to be vaccinated at sites other than a county health department, such as a private provider, individuals should contact those sites directly. 

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit https://go.usa.gov/xARKE.

Thanks

Friends,

Despite the corona virus and whatever else has caused us pain or suffering this year, we have much to be grateful for. I lost my Dad 2 months ago, but there are blessings that God has bestowed upon me and my family even through that loss, and hopefully on others as well. Even during this crazy time of a worldwide viral pandemic, God has blessed us all in so many ways. If we can recognize and then acknowledge God for those blessings, we will have grateful hearts, and the happiest people I know have grateful hearts. Have you ever seen an unhappy person with a grateful heart?

At Thanksgiving more than ever, let us put everything else aside, including the politics surrounding the recent elections, and give thanks to God for all the blessings in our lives! And, let us be kind to others, even if we disagree with them on whatever issue. I wish and hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Peace,

David Faulkner