The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) is advancing their proposal to offer farm bureau health plans through the Alabama Legislature after passage from the Alabama House earlier this month.

During that vote, only one ‘no’ vote was cast.

According to a recent interview with the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook), said even that vote was cast by accident, and the bill would have received unanimous support from its chamber of origin.

“You saw it was 98 ‘yes’ votes, out of 103 Representatives, and really not a single ‘no’ vote. There was one ‘no’ vote on the floor of the House, but the Representative made a mistake. So, you had 98 ‘yes’ votes out of 103,” Faulkner told Alabama Public Television’s “Capitol Journal” last week.

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That vote was cast by State Rep. Marilyn Lands (D-Huntsville) from the House floor. Lands confirmed the mistake in a statement to Yellowhammer News.

“I did not mean to vote against the bill but intended to abstain and my vote was changed to reflect that,” Lands said.

HB477 now barrels toward final passage from the Alabama Senate, with a vote expected later this week.

According to ALFA’s legislative team, they are appreciative to all the lawmakers who have ushered the proposal, which came up short in the 2024 legislative session. This session, things have proven much different.

“We appreciate the legislators who have listened and worked with us to bring HB 477 to this point,” Brian Hardin, ALFA’s External Affairs Director told Yellowhammer News. “Special thanks to Sen. Arthur Orr who brought this legislation to the Federation last year. He has been a stalwart and steadfast supporter of Alabama farmers and small businesses. Likewise, Rep. David Faulkner has worked countless hours to refine HB 477. His leadership in facilitating discussions with legislators and other organizations has been invaluable.”

“To the House and Senate leadership, thank you for making this legislation a priority in a crowded session. You’ve heard the concerns of our farmers and know they need relief,” he said.

When lawmakers return on Tuesday, it will be the 26th day of the 2025 legislative session.