Alabama House Holds Historic Meeting in Old Capitol Chamber

Lawmakers gather in the original House chambers for the first time since 2009 flooding forced a move across the street.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:05pm

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The Alabama House of Representatives held a ceremonial session in the Old House Chamber of the Alabama State Capitol on Wednesday. This was the first time official legislative action has taken place in the Capitol since 2009, when flooding forced lawmakers to move across the street to the current State House building. The House passed a resolution to designate the new State House building, currently under construction, as the official legislative chambers starting in 2027.

Why it matters

The return to the historic Capitol chambers holds symbolic significance, as it marks the end of an era for the Alabama Legislature. The current State House building, which has housed lawmakers since the 1980s, has long been criticized for accessibility issues and lack of adequate space. The move to the new State House building will provide modern, purpose-built facilities for the Legislature.

The details

The ceremonial session in the Old House Chamber was the first time official legislative business has taken place there since 2009, when flooding at the State House forced lawmakers to temporarily relocate. Prior to 1985, the Legislature conducted business in the Capitol alongside the governor and other constitutional officers. The House did not discuss any bills but passed a resolution to designate the new State House building, currently under construction, as the official legislative chambers starting on January 1, 2027.

  • The Alabama House of Representatives held the ceremonial session on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • The Legislature last met in the Old House Chamber in the Capitol in 2009, when flooding forced them to move across the street to the current State House building.
  • Prior to 1985, the Legislature conducted business in the Capitol alongside the governor and other constitutional officers.

The players

Nathaniel Ledbetter

The Republican Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, who called being in the old chamber 'an honor' and thanked the House Speaker Pro Tem for the idea.

Chris Pringle

The Republican House Speaker Pro Tem, who came up with the idea for the ceremonial session in the Old House Chamber.

Barbara Boyd

A Democratic member of the Alabama House of Representatives since 1994 who is not running for re-election. She offered remarks about her time in the Legislature and her near-fatal car accident in 2024.

Jabo Waggoner

An 89-year-old Republican state senator who was also a member of the House when the Legislature still utilized the Capitol chambers, making him the longest serving member in the history of the Alabama Legislature.

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What they’re saying

“It's humbling to me to sit here certainly in front of all of you, with the work that you do, but to sit here in the chamber on the shoulders of who built this state up. I think that's the thing that we've all got to remember. We do what we do for the people back home and for the people in our history and across the state, and that should never go unnoticed. And I know by this body it does not go unnoticed.”

— Nathaniel Ledbetter, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives

“So much good you have given, I've learned so much. And after the accident I said I was tired and I wanted to rest, but when God sat me down to rest, I said 'oh my God, I can't do this.' It's been a great learning experience for me. I've learned so much, and I've grown so much. And I hope that my students everywhere will continue to go where there is no path but to lead a trail.”

— Barbara Boyd, Democratic State Representative

What’s next

The new State House building, currently under construction, is expected to be completed and ready for the Legislature to move in at some point this summer. The building will provide modern, purpose-built facilities with improved accessibility and more space for committee meetings and events.

The takeaway

The ceremonial session in the Old House Chamber marks the end of an era for the Alabama Legislature, which has operated out of the current State House building for over 40 years despite its many shortcomings. The move to the new State House will usher in a new chapter, providing lawmakers with the modern, functional facilities they need to effectively serve their constituents.