MONTGOMERY, Ala. – It’s go time on Goat Hill.
Lawmakers in the Alabama House of Representatives and Alabama Senate gavel in at 12:00 noon today to kick off what is expected to be a fast-paced session.
It’s their final regular session in the State House the Legislature has occupied for four decades. A new State House is under construction just behind the current one, continuing to make parking a challenge.
Crews were busily working Monday on a new staff parking deck adjacent to the current State House. House Clerk John Treadwell said the deck is expected to be open for staff today, making way for lawmakers to park in their regular spots.
Gov. Kay Ivey gives her ninth and final State of the State address from the Capitol’s Old House Chamber at 6 p.m. Alabama Public Television’s coverage begins at 5:30 with some pre-game commentary, the speech itself, then post-game reaction including the Democratic response.
Ivey’s special guests for the event include Huntsville native Rodney Smith Jr., founder of Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service.
Smith was a student at Alabama A&M in 2015 when he helped an elderly neighbor mow his lawn. That act of kindness grew into a nationwide movement, resulting in a 50-state effort to provide free lawn care to veterans, military families, first responders and those in need, Ivey’s office said.
Smith is scheduled to join Alabama Public Television’s live broadcast for an interview after the speech.
This is so cool. I’ve been following Rodney since the early days and, like many, am a huge admirer.
Excited to have Rodney in studio for @CapitolJournal’s live coverage of @GovernorKayIvey’s State of the State address. Stay tuned after the speech for our conversation! https://t.co/oCpsGsoSpS
— Todd Stacy (@toddcstacy) January 13, 2026
Ivey will also recognize students from Booker T. Washington School in Birmingham for its recent academic success. It’s part of Ivey’s Turnaround Schools Initiative to improve previously underperforming schools.
The Montgomery Academy Chamber Chorus will perform prior to Ivey’s address.
“These special guests represent the very best of our state,” Ivey said in a statement Monday. “An Alabamian who steps up to help veterans, talented students who share their gifts through music and young people proving what is possible in classrooms once written off – good things are happening across our 67 counties, and these guests help tell our success story in Alabama. I am proud to welcome them to the Capitol Tuesday evening as we continue working together to build an even stronger future for our state.”
There will be multiple responses from legislative Democrats.
Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, will give the an online response following Ivey’s address. Clarke’s remarks will be broadcast on Blueprint Alabama’s FaceBook page and the AHDC Facebook page.
State Sen. Bobby Singleton, Greensboro, will offer a response on WSFA and other Gray Television stations.
And Rep. Sam Jones, D-Mobile, will sit down with APT’s Todd Stacy live following Ivey’s address for an interview offering the Democrats’ perspective.