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Hammett and Carnley announce bids for re-election in 2026

Local business leaders, community members, and government officials gathered at PowerSouth’s boardroom for the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Luncheon on Wednesday, June 4.

AACC Executive Director Mellisa King opened the event by welcoming attendees and expressing gratitude for their continued support and involvement.

“We’re glad you could join us today at PowerSouth for this year’s Legislative Luncheon,” King said. “It’s a privilege to host Sen. Josh Carnley and Rep. Matthew Hammett. We also appreciate everyone’s active participation in our community.”

Chamber Treasurer Micah Garner gave the invocation followed by AACC Director of Membership Services Maggie Holmes who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Richard Moore, David Pearce, Scott Rogers, and Jacob Sellers performed the Star-Spangled Banner before Chamber President Ginny Grimes introduced the guest speakers.

Representative Matthew Hammett of Rose Hill represents House District 92 and serves on three House committees. He discussed the state’s budget allocations and said the general fund is $3.8 billion; the Education Trust Fund is nearly $9.9 billion.

Hammett also spoke on efforts to reduce the grocery tax.

“We’ve already reduced it by 1 percent and cut it another 2 percent this year. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate it to help working families manage rising costs,” he said.

Hammett also highlighted a bill targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to support local pharmacists.

“Pharmacists were losing money due to fees they had to absorb. This legislation caps fees so they aren’t passed on to consumers,” he said.

Another bill Hammett discussed was related to Alfa Insurance.

“Insurance is expensive, but Alfa offers more affordable options. Despite pushback, we passed the bill successfully,” he said.

Hammett also addressed the financial challenges facing rural hospitals.

“We passed the Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Act of 2025, which gives tax credits for donations to struggling rural hospitals, including those in Covington County. These donations go directly to specific hospitals, not a general fund.”

He concluded his presentation with the “Back the Blue” bill, which deals with law enforcement.

“This law gives civil and criminal immunity to officers following proper procedures. It helps departments retain personnel and gives officers confidence to do their jobs without fear of lawsuits,” he said.

Senator Josh Carnley, a native of Ino in Coffee County, represents Senate District 31 and serves on eight Senate committees.

He noted that a local bill for Covington County failed to pass.

“On the last day of session, 54 local bills were on the calendar. Only about 10 received votes, and unfortunately, Covington County’s wasn’t one of them.”

Additional Senate topics addressed included vaping regulations, THC limits in hemp products, and a statewide classroom cell phone ban.

Carnley explained that following the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, Alabama farmers were allowed to grow hemp under strict THC limits of no more than 0.03 percent. However, he noted that many products, such as gummies, often exceed those limits.

“Some gummies contain up to 40 milligrams of THC, comparable to smoking a joint,” he said.

Legislation was passed restricting hemp product sales to those 21 and older, limiting THC content to 10 milligrams per package, and requiring child-safe packaging.

Carnley said there are many vaping products that are flavored and unregulated.

“Some aren’t even approved for sale, which makes regulation difficult,” he said.

He also discussed a new policy banning cell phone use in classrooms statewide.

“Many school districts like our local ones already have policies in place, but this law enforces a ban from bell to bell in order to minimize distractions,” Carnley said.

During an open forum, attendees raised various local and state policy concerns.

Donna Raines inquired about the failed Covington County vape tax bill.

“It was a tax on vape products but didn’t pass,” Hammett said. “The law applies to tobacco and its alternatives, but due to ambiguity, some vendors haven’t been collecting it,” Carnley added.

Michele Gerlach asked about Alabama’s strict THC laws.

“Because our THC rules are strict, there’s an injunction allowing the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board time to review. People can still order products online, so we need to stay vigilant,” Carnley said.

Jennifer McClung expressed concern over vape product visibility in stores.

“Vapes are supposed to be behind the counter. New regulations limit their visibility and appeal, especially to kids,” Carnley said.

Dr. Alison Jackson-Wood raised the issue of possible cuts to Medicaid and addressed concerns over food stamps cards being hacked.

“We’re waiting to see what the federal government proposes before making any state-level changes,” Hammett said.

Daniel Wells asked about increased tax exemptions on business and personal property taxes.

“The exemption was raised from $40,000 to $100,000,” Carnley said.

Grimes closed the luncheon by thanking participants and announcing upcoming Chamber events.

For more information call the AACC at 334-222-2030.