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House Democrats discuss new education budget, successes, shortcomings

On Wednesday, State Reps. Pebblin Warren, D-Birmingham, and Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, led a discussion about the Education Trust Fund budget that was passed on Tuesday. “Our future is only as strong as our education system is today,” Warren said at the Democrats’ weekly press conference. The education budget, Senate Bill 199, is marked at $7.1 … Continued
May 30, 2019

ACLU stands against bill allowing Bible studies courses in public schools

The American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama Executive Director Randall Marshall commented against SB14, a bill that would allow public schools to teach Bible studies as an elective course, calling it a waste of money and potentially unconstitutional. “While Alabama’s schools continue to struggle, we have to wonder why legislators are spending valuable time in … Continued
May 30, 2019

Finally, something that might work

Expanding workforce development and rural broadband could very well be the most significant accomplishments of the 2019 Legislative Session. Both actions have the potential to change Alabama’s future by fostering middle-skill jobs and connecting rural communities to the global economy. The education budget passed in the Senate includes a $6 million increase for workforce development … Continued
May 29, 2019

Legislature approves fantasy sports contests

On Tuesday, the Senate passed a bill that would allow fantasy sports contests to be played legally in Alabama. House Bill 361 is sponsored by State Rep. Kyle South, R-Fayette. During the House debate, South said fantasy sports contest are games of skill and are not games of chance. Gambling is forbidden by the Alabama … Continued
May 29, 2019

Bill loosening work restrictions on formerly incarcerated people passes House and Senate

The Alabama State Senate gave final passage to Senate Bill 163, a measure that removes many of the work restrictions that currently face people who have served the entirety of their prison sentence and paid full restitution. The bill, sponsored by Senator Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, received bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the House and the … Continued
May 29, 2019

House passes $7.1 billion education budget

The Alabama House of Representatives passed the education trust fund budget Tuesday. Senate Bill 199 is sponsored by State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur. The bill was carried on the House floor by State Rep. Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa, who chairs the House Ways and Means Education Committee. Poole’s committee substituted the budget that came down from … Continued
May 29, 2019

Legislature votes to allow longer emergency teaching certificates

The Alabama House of Representative voted Tuesday to concur with Senate changes to legislation that would allow the state school superintendent at the request of a local superintendent to issue a two-year emergency alternative teaching certificate. House Bill 502 is sponsored by state Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield. Estes said the emergency certificate could be renewed … Continued
May 29, 2019

Legislature bans most deer from being brought into the state

The Alabama House of Representatives voted Thursday to ban the importation of deer and other members of the Cervidae family into the state of Alabama. Senate Bill 314 is sponsored by State Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro. SB314 was carried in the House by State Rep. Artis “A.J.” McCampbell, D-Livingston. McCampbell said this bill was a … Continued
May 28, 2019

House passes bill forcing parents to send children to kindergarten

Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation requiring that all parents enroll their children in kindergarten. House Bill 423 is sponsored by State Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee. Warren said that under current law kindergarten is not required. This law would make it mandatory. According to the synopsis, HB423 amends the, “Code of Alabama 1975, … Continued
May 28, 2019

House passes bill legalizing direct shipments of wine to consumers

The Alabama House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill Thursday that would allow consumers to order wine and have it shipped to their residences. House Bill 350 is sponsored by State Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur. The bill would allow a licensed wine manufacturer to purchase a direct shipper license from the Alabama Alcoholic … Continued
May 28, 2019