Rep. Susan DuBose: Driving the "Back to Basics" Legislative Shift in Alabama

Staff Writer
Feb 28
2 min read

By Staff Writer February 28, 2028

Rep. Susan DuBose: Driving the "Back to Basics" Legislative Shift in Alabama

In a comprehensive session on the BCS. State of Alabama Podcast with host Christopher M Peeks and co-host Brandon Moseley, State Representative Susan DuBose (R-District 45) detailed a legislative agenda focused on foundational education, biological integrity, and enhanced public safety. Her "back to basics" approach aims to address long-standing challenges in the state's literacy rates and workforce participation.

Education Reform: Phonics and Accountability

Rep. DuBose highlighted the pivot toward the Alabama Literacy Act, emphasizing that the state is returning to proven methods to ensure every child can read by the end of the third grade.

00:14:30 – The Phonics Pivot: DuBose explains moving away from "sight-reading" and returning to phonics-based instruction.
00:15:15 – The Third Grade Gate: Discussing the proficiency requirements that prevent students from being socially promoted without reading skills.
00:16:35 – Tackling Absenteeism: How the state is holding schools and parents accountable to get kids back into the classroom.
00:17:32 – HB 183 for Homeschoolers: A new bill allowing homeschool students access to public career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Biological Integrity and Women's Rights

A major portion of DuBose's work involves the "What is a Woman" legislation, designed to protect the rights and private spaces of biological women.

00:01:03 – Defining Biological Sex: The rationale behind protecting female sports and locker rooms from biological male participants.
00:01:30 – Bipartisan Support: Citing data that shows widespread support across political lines for biological distinctions in sports.
00:31:31 – Sexual Risk Avoidance: Updating the school curriculum to focus on abstinence-based education and age-appropriate materials.

Public Safety and Community Values

The interview also touched on critical public safety updates and the role of constituent feedback in policy making.

00:07:35 – Representing the District: Why she chose to vote "no" on an appointed PSC to honor her constituents' desire for elected representation.
00:21:24 – Stopping High-Speed Elusion: Support for stricter penalties for those who attempt to flee law enforcement.
00:22:50 – Child Protection Laws: Advocating for the death penalty in extreme cases involving the rape of children under 12.
00:26:19 – Hemp and Youth Safety: The push for tighter regulations on psychoactive hemp products currently sold in retail stores.

The 2026 Campaign and Beyond

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, DuBose emphasizes her accessibility and commitment to District 45, which includes Chelsea, Leeds, and Irondale.

00:35:52 – Re-election Strategy: DuBose discusses her primary opponent and her philosophy of being a visible, active representative.
00:40:44 – Final Thoughts: A closing message on the honor of serving Alabama and the importance of transparent governance.