Tens of thousands of Alabama families will benefit from two new laws removing barriers to health coverage and increasing the availability of paid parental leave. Gov. Kay Ivey held a ceremonial bill signing Thursday at the State Capitol in Montgomery for both bills: SB 102, sponsored by Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, and SB 199, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile. The governor officially signed both bills into law last month.

Alabama Arise staff members Robyn Hyden, Jennifer Harris and Dev Wakeley were proud were proud to participate in the ceremonies for both bills. Improving health care access and ensuring paid parental leave are two key legislative priorities that Arise members advocated for during the Legislature’s 2025 regular session.

Read our news release and see photos from the event here.

SB 102, sponsored by Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, will expand health care access for thousands of expectant mothers by allowing them to receive Medicaid coverage earlier in their pregnancy. The law will take effect Oct. 1.

SB 199, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, will ensure paid parental leave for new parents who work as teachers, two-year college employees or state employees. The law will take effect July 1.

Read our full news release and view photos from the event here.