AlabamaAlabama commission studies ways to keep pulp and paper mills operating
The commission studies ways to keep pulp and paper mills in Alabama and sends its findings and any recommendations to lawmakers by November 1, 2026.
What it does
A commission studies Alabama's forestry industry, focusing on ways to keep pulp and paper mills in the state and maintain its appeal to those industries.
The commission reviews ways to keep or expand mills, their infrastructure needs, state policies, and changes in paper markets, including new manufacturing opportunities.
The commission reports its findings and any proposed laws to the Legislature, then dissolves.
Argument forA focused study could help lawmakers find ways to keep mills operating and attract new paper manufacturing, which may support local jobs.
Argument againstPaying legislators for meeting days and reimbursing members' travel could use public funds that might otherwise support other state work.
More detail
The law establishes a commission to study Alabama's forestry industry, with a focus on keeping pulp and paper mills in the state. The commission includes lawmakers, state forestry and commerce officials, and members appointed by three industry groups. Appointments must reflect the state's racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity. The chair must call the first meeting by July 1, 2026.
The commission studies ways to keep or expand mills, their operating needs, state policies, and changes in paper markets. The review includes resources and energy for mill operations, state environmental, labor, and tax policies, and ways to attract manufacturing based on emerging paper technologies.
The commission sends its findings and any recommendations for proposed laws to the Legislature, then dissolves. The report is due by November 1, 2026, when the commission dissolves.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 15EnactedBecame Law
- Apr 9Reported from RULES (RULES)Minor
- Apr 9Ready to Enroll
- Apr 9EnrolledTo Governor
- Apr 9Delivered to GovernorMinor
- Apr 7Reported Out of Committee Second House
- Apr 1Reported Out of Committee House of Origin
- Apr 1Reported from Rules (Rules)Minor
- Apr 1Lovvorn motion to Adopt - Adopted Voice VoteMajor
- Apr 1Received in the Senate and referred to the Senate committee on RULESMinor
- Apr 1Pending Committee Action in Second House (RULES)
- Mar 31Received in the House and referred to the House committee on RulesMinor
- Mar 31Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Rules)Introduced
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