Anniston, AL — State Senator Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) provided an extensive update on the 2025 legislative session during a Tuesday morning breakfast hosted by the local chamber of commerce. The early morning event drew a standing-room-only crowd, reflecting significant community interest in state policy issues. Kelley’s remarks spanned topics from rural health care and public safety to education reform and veterans’ services, with several bills drawing bipartisan support.
Chamber Chair Kelley Pearce, who reflected on attending school with Senator Kelley, offered a warm introduction. The senator was welcomed to enthusiastic applause. “It is very humbling to see you here this morning at 8 o’clock,” Kelley said, addressing the crowd. “The interaction I have with you—your questions, your concerns, your feedback—that’s what keeps me in tune with our community.”
Legislative Volume and Cooperation
Kelley noted that more than 900 bills were introduced this session, with just under 300 making it through to passage. “Getting a bill passed is hard,” he explained. “You’ve got everything from cleanup bills to local legislation to major policy proposals. It takes focus and compromise.”
He credited the collaborative nature of the local legislative delegation. “When we get to Montgomery, it’s not about party politics—it’s about doing what’s best for our area,” Kelley emphasized. “I’ve been blessed to work with people I’ve known for years, and we’ve built strong relationships.”
Pharmacy Reform: Protecting Local Businesses
One of the senator’s top priorities was addressing the rising concern about pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). These entities negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurers, but Kelley argued they have created an unsustainable burden for small, independent pharmacies.
“Some of our pharmacies were being forced to fill 20% of their prescriptions at a loss,” Kelley said. “That’s no way to keep your doors open. Imagine being told to sell one out of every five products in your business at a guaranteed loss.”
He explained that two competing bills on the issue had the potential to bog down the session. “We sat everyone down—sponsors, stakeholders, industry—and negotiated a compromise,” he said. The final version, carried by Democratic Senator Billy Beasley, received co-sponsorship from every Republican senator. “This was a true bipartisan victory that helps pharmacies stay afloat and ensures fairness.”
Rural Health: New Tools for Hospitals and Farmers
Kelley also discussed the Rural Hospital Investment Act, which incentivizes private donations to rural hospitals with state tax benefits. “These facilities are vital in communities that don’t have a nearby ER or major clinic. Without them, families would have nowhere to turn in an emergency.”
Another healthcare measure Kelley supported was a bill allowing the Alabama Farmers Federation to offer limited health plans to its members. “This is not traditional health insurance,” Kelley clarified. “But it offers a practical option for folks who can’t get coverage elsewhere.”
He acknowledged some concerns about the bill allowing selective participation. “It’s not perfect. But for many rural residents and small farmers, this is their only route to any coverage at all.”
Public Safety and Immigration Enforcement: Closing Gaps in the Law
Kelley spoke candidly about several high-profile public safety and immigration bills passed during the session, many of which he said aim to address longstanding loopholes in state law.
One newly passed law invalidates driver’s licenses from states that do not verify immigration status before issuing identification. “There are states handing out licenses without confirming if someone is in the country legally,” Kelley said. “This ensures Alabama doesn’t recognize those as valid.”
Another measure criminalizes human smuggling, giving law enforcement a clear legal path to prosecute those knowingly transporting undocumented immigrants. “We’ve needed this statute in place for a while,” Kelley explained. “It’s a serious issue, and this gives us a way to respond with clarity.”
Kelley also highlighted a law requiring jails to assess detainees’ legal status and law enforcement to collect DNA and fingerprints from undocumented individuals. “That DNA could solve crimes,” he said. “We’ve already identified wanted murderers using these tools—people who gave false names at the border but were matched by their DNA.”
He said the changes help align Alabama’s enforcement policies with federal procedures, closing conflicts between state and federal law that previously led to courtroom challenges. “It’s about protecting our citizens and making sure our law enforcement has the tools they need,” Kelley said. “This isn’t about targeting people—it’s about following the law.”
On gun safety, Kelley backed a state-level ban on Glock switches—illegal parts that convert handguns into fully automatic weapons. “This isn’t just a federal issue,” he said. “I’ve been in my hotel in Montgomery and heard what sounded like a war zone. One night we counted over 200 rounds.”
The law prohibits both possession and sale of conversion devices and was crafted to align with existing federal statutes. “These devices are dangerous and unpredictable,” Kelley noted. “We want people to have their guns, but we have to keep illegal modifications off the streets.”
Veterans and Mental Health: Addressing Misconceptions
Kelley expressed pride in legislation to support veterans, including the Houston Hunter Act, which establishes a voluntary firearm safekeeping program for veterans and first responders experiencing mental health crises. The initiative allows participants to store firearms at a licensed gun shop, with the individual setting and retaining access to a personal code.
“This bill was born from tragedy. Two mothers who lost sons came to us with a simple idea: give struggling veterans a chance to store their firearms safely—no registry, no red tape,” Kelley said. “This is about saving lives. If we can help one person make it past the darkest night, it’s worth it.”
Kelley acknowledged that the bill faced pushback, particularly from gun rights advocates and some media who questioned whether it could be used to disarm veterans. “It’s not a gun control bill. It’s not mandatory. It doesn’t even notify law enforcement. The veteran keeps the code—it’s completely private,” Kelley emphasized.
He also spoke strongly against a bill passed this session that changes how Alabama’s Veterans Affairs Commissioner is appointed. Previously, a governor-appointed board representing veterans’ organizations selected the commissioner. The new law gives direct appointment power to the governor and shifts the board into an advisory role.
“For over 80 years, veterans chose their own commissioner through a process that worked,” Kelley said. “This change came quickly after a dispute between the commissioner and the governor over ethics complaints and delayed services.”
Despite amendments added to the final version, Kelley voted no. “Veterans deal with trauma differently. They deserve leadership that answers to them—not to political interests,” he said. “This is one issue where I couldn’t stay silent.”
Education: Discipline, Opportunity, and Access
Kelley addressed several education reforms, including a bill requiring cell phones to be turned off during instructional time. “Teachers told us over and over they can’t teach because of phones. This bill empowers educators to take back the classroom.”
Another measure, the MOVE When Ready Act, allows high school students on track for graduation to enroll in college courses early. “It helps with workforce development and saves families money on college tuition.”
He also supported the Success Sequence Curriculum, which introduces students to research-based guidance on life decisions that reduce poverty risk. “It’s about giving kids a roadmap: finish school, get a job, and delay parenthood until marriage.”
Economic Policy and Budgeting
On taxes, Kelley touted a continued reduction in the state portion of the grocery tax. “We didn’t hit the financial trigger for a full rollback, but we still moved forward with another one-cent cut.”
He warned, however, that pandemic-era federal funds had created inflated expectations. “COVID money was one-time money, and it came with strings. Now that it’s gone, we’re back to brass tacks. Alabama is financially healthy, but we have to budget conservatively.”
Local Legislation: Halfway House Regulation
Kelley also highlighted a new local law that gives the county commission broad authority to regulate halfway houses—facilities that serve individuals transitioning from incarceration or treatment. Citing safety and accountability concerns, Kelley explained that while some facilities provide critical support, others have operated with little oversight. “This has become a statewide issue,” he said. “But our commission now has the authority to create a pilot program that we hope to refine and eventually replicate across the state.” The new law allows the commission to set standards, zoning requirements, and licensing rules, with flexibility built in so they can adapt quickly as challenges emerge. It’s flexible because we don’t yet know all the challenges—but we’ll learn and adapt.” Kelley praised the local task force working on the issue and expressed confidence that the program could become a statewide model for effective and responsible regulation.
Community Praise and Final Remarks
The event concluded with public recognition of Kelley’s advocacy for the CREATE workforce readiness initiative, which secured funding in the state budget for expansion to 16 new high schools. CREATE Director Lori Denton praised Senator Kelley and Representative Steve Hurst for their behind-the-scenes work.
“Without Senator Kelley and Representative Hirsh, that funding wouldn’t have happened,” Denton said. “They worked tirelessly behind the scenes and brought lawmakers to see the program in person.”
Kelley ended the morning by encouraging attendees to stay engaged. “If you’re not on my mailing list and want more detailed updates on legislation, sign up. I want you informed, because I serve you,” he said. “It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.”
