Legislature

Senate delays vote on bill that would reallocate judges

The Alabama Senate delayed a vote on a bill Tuesday that would reallocate judges from areas in decline to areas of the state that are experiencing growth. Senate Bill 255 is sponsored by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore. “Why is this needed? Some counties in South Alabama and North Alabama have grown rapidly,” and need judges, … Continued

Brandon Moseley

March 11, 2020

Opinion

Albritton is back with yet another bad gambling plan

Greg Albritton is trying to scam you again. After trying and failing last year to extend the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ gaming monopoly in the state, Albritton is back again this year, with a bill that is, amazingly, worse. Worse for the state. Worse for gaming. Worse for everyone. Billed as the “billion-dollar plan” … Continued

Josh Moon

March 10, 2020

Legislators of the Year Award presented to Senator Gudger Jr. and Representative Shedd

Alabama’s affiliate of The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) presented Senator Gudger, R- Cullman, and Representative Shedd, R- Fairview, with “Legislator of the Year” awards for sponsoring bills in the Senate and the House to help expedite the process for people who are living with a mental illness who had been committed in to … Continued

March 10, 2020

Bill would grant Poarch Creeks sole rights over all gaming, defying governor’s call

Despite Gov. Kay Ivey’s call for the Legislature to give her gaming study group time to bring her fact-based recommendations, Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, last week introduced a bill that would provide the Poarch Band of Creek Indians a monopoly, eliminates all competition and bind the state to a compact while adding comparatively little to … Continued

Bill Britt

March 9, 2020

Families plea for lawmakers to pass medical marijuana bill

As lawmakers and press roamed the halls of the Alabama State House on Thursday, three families were gathered in an office, all eager to be heard by their representatives and all fighting for the same cause. SB165, a bill called the Compassion Act, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, would make Alabama the 34th state … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

March 9, 2020

Senate passed the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act

Thursday, the Alabama state Senate passed a bill that would make it a felony for doctors to perform gender altering treatments and surgeries on children under the age of 19. The Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, Senate Bill 219, is sponsored by State Senator Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville. SB219 is cosponsored by Sens. Jim McClendon, … Continued

Brandon Moseley

March 9, 2020

State Senate passes 5G infrastructure bill

Thursday the Alabama Senate voted in favor of a bill that will provide the small cell infrastructure necessary for Alabama to have 5G technology available for capable devices. Senate Bill 172 which was sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur. “I thought it was imperative for the continued growth of our economy to remain competitive with … Continued

Brandon Moseley

March 9, 2020

House carries over bill to allow law enforcement to impound vehicles of drivers without a license

Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives failed to act on a bill giving law enforcement the authority to tow and impound a motor vehicle driven by a motorist who has never attempted to get a driver’s license. House Bill 34 is sponsored by State Representative Scott Stadthagen, R-Mount Hope. State Representative Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley, said … Continued

Brandon Moseley

March 9, 2020

Weekly Legislative Session Report: Week Five

The Alabama Legislature met in session for Day 9 of the annual Regular Session on Super Tuesday, March 3. Twenty-seven committee meetings were held during the week to consider legislation. Both Houses met in session on Thursday, March 5 for Day 10. 695 bills have been introduced so far this Session. The Legislature will return … Continued

Beth Lyons

March 9, 2020

Senate committee approves permitless carry bill

The Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to give a favorable report to a permitless carry bill—also called constitutional carry by its proponents—which would allow all Alabama adult citizens who have not lost their gun rights to carry their weapons concealed without having to purchase a concealed carry permit. Senate Bill 1 is sponsored by … Continued

Brandon Moseley

March 6, 2020