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House passes bill raising the minimum requirements for new judges in populous counties

The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that raised the qualifications to run for or be appointed as a district or circuit court judge. House Bill 529 is sponsored by State Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook. The original version of HB529 would have raised the minimum requirements to be an Alabama circuit court … Continued
May 17, 2019

Jace Holley, Justin Billa honored with Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement

Thursday, the Alabama legislature held a rare joint session to present the Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement to the Alabama law enforcement officer who demonstrated the greatest bravery in service to their fellow Alabamians. This year, there were a rare two medals awarded. Coffee County Sheriff’s Deputy Jace Holley responded to a fatal … Continued
May 17, 2019

House Committee approves lottery bill

On Wednesday, the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee gave a favorable report to a constitutional amendment that would create a state lottery in Alabama. Gambling is prohibited by the Alabama 1901 Constitution, so passing a lottery requires amending the Constitution. Senate Bill 220 is sponsored by State Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore. The bill was … Continued
May 16, 2019

Ivey signs nation’s most restrictive abortion law

Gov. Kay Ivey Wednesday signed into law the Alabama Human Life Protection Act, a bill that would ban nearly all abortions in the state if it ever goes into effect. House Bill 314 was sponsored by State Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur. On Tuesday, the Senate passed the bill without amendment sending it to the governor. … Continued
May 16, 2019

Reaction varies to Gov. Kay Ivey’s signing of abortion law

Less than 24 hours after the Alabama Senate passed HB314, the nation’s most restrictive abortion ban, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed this legislation into law. According to the language in the bill, this ban does not go into effect until six months after it has been signed. Those who support abortion rights were furious with … Continued
May 16, 2019

Committee OKs giving commission authority over bare-knuckle boxing

The Senate Health Committee gave a favorable report to a bill giving the Alabama Athletic Commission jurisdiction over bare-knuckle boxing in the state of Alabama on Wednesday. Senate Bill 396 is sponsored by State Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa. Under current law, the Alabama Athletic Commission, the state boxing commission, does not have jurisdiction over bare-knuckle … Continued
May 16, 2019

Committee gives favorable report to fantasy sports bill

On Wednesday, the Senate Tourism Committee gave a favorable report 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 that fantasy sports contest are games of skill and are not games of chance. Gambling is … Continued
May 16, 2019

House rejects effort to raise the retirement age for state judges to age 75

The Alabama House of Representatives passed a constitutional amendment revising and rewriting the section of the Alabama 1901 Constitution dealing with the judiciary on Tuesday. Senate Bill 216 is a constitutional amendment sponsored by State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur. SB216 was carried in the Alabama House by State Rep. Prince Chestnut, D-Selma. Chestnut said that … Continued
May 16, 2019

Senate sends nation’s strictest abortion ban to governor’s desk

After a lengthy debate, the Alabama Senate passed the strictest abortion ban in the country. House Bill 314 was sponsored by State Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur. It was carried in the Senate by state Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville. HB314 is the strictest abortion ban in the country. It would make performing or attempting to perform … Continued
May 15, 2019