Efforts to reduce crime will be a main topic for Alabama lawmakers during the annual legislative session that begins Tuesday.

Gov. Kay Ivey said public safety is her top priority, including proposals to support police, combat crime, and make smart criminal justice reforms.

Ivey will announce her agenda when she delivers her eighth State of the State at the Capitol on Tuesday night.

“A safe Alabama is a secure future for Alabama, and this year, we will take bold steps to protect our communities, strengthen our future and ensure our state remains the best place to live, work and raise a family,” the governor said.

The push for bills addressing crime comes after Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides, the most in a single year since 1933. Montgomery also saw a surge in violent crime in 2024, prompting the creation of the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, knowns as MACS.

“I look forward to working with our Legislature to achieve these critical goals and create a better Alabama for all.”

Ivey has generally worked closely with the Republican leadership in the GOP-controlled Legislature since becoming governor in 2017.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said he is working with the governor on the crime legislation. Ledbetter said a package of bills would be introduced early in the session.

Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, who is expected to be elected Tuesday as the new president pro tem, the top position in the Senate, said crime and public safety would be top issues.

Gudger said he expects bills aimed at addressing illegal immigration. He said the focus would on getting violent criminals out of the state but expects a number of immigration bills.

Gudger said part of the intent would be to follow initiatives set by President Trump, who has vowed crackdowns and mass deportations, a stance that has raised concerns among some immigrants and refugees in Alabama.

On the other hand, Gudger said the state has to be careful to support immigrants who legally come to Alabama to work.

House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, said Democrats would be wary of any initiatives or legislation inspired by Trump.

“I hope that my colleagues on the other side don’t introduce legislation to reflect the executive orders,” Daniels said.

Read more: ‘Push back on the extremism’: Alabama House Democrats vow to fight GOP Trump-inspired proposals

Legislative leaders said proposals on a lottery, casinos, sports betting, or other expansions of legal gambling in the state are not a priority, at least early in the session.

A comprehensive lottery and gambling regulation bill passed the House last year but was scaled back and eventually failed by a single vote in the Senate, the closest a lottery bill has come to going to the ballot for voter approval since 1999.

This year, Ledbetter said any lottery or gambling bills would have to start in the Senate. Gudger said that is on the backburner for now.

The legislative session can last up to 15 weeks.

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