Secretary of State Merrill addresses redistricting controversies
It is our recommendation that the Alabama Legislature reexamine the current Board of Registrar system.
Alan Baker
Deadline to file for absentee ballot extended to seven days before elections
It has changed from five days before an election to seven days before the election.
Bill to allow local tax dollars to follow the child to a charter school advances
Some members of the committee were troubled that local public schools might be harmed by this.
House passes Tier III retirement for education employees
Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill to expand retirement benefits for education employees. House Bill 76 is sponsored by State Representative Alan Baker (R-Brewton). Baker said that Tier III benefits for educators is necessary to encourage teachers to stay in education and to recruit new teachers to the state. Rep. Thomas Jackson … Continued
House passes landfill bill allowing alternative materials as temporary cover
The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday to change the statutory definition so that temporary “cover” in landfills can be a material other than “earth.” House Bill 140 is sponsored by State Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton. The bill allows landfills to use alternative daily covers in place of earth to cover landfills until … Continued
House considers bill to allow alternative materials as temporary cover at landfills
Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill to change the statutory definition so that temporary “cover” in landfills can be a material other than “earth.” Earth is also known as soil or just dirt. House Bill 140 is sponsored by State Representative Alan Baker (R-Brewton). Rep. Baker said that all the bill does … Continued
Legislature passes constitutional amendment to abolish elected school board
The Alabama Legislature passed a state constitutional amendment Friday that would replace Alabama’s State Board of Education with an appointed commission on education and change the education standards for the state. Senate Bill 397 was sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston. The bill was carried in the House by State Rep. Bill … Continued
Heated public hearing held on controversial bingo bill in committee
The Local Legislation Committee held a well-attended public hearing Tuesday on a local bill dealing with Greene County. HB545 would clarify that electronic bingo is legal in Greene County and would establish a five-member gaming commission to regulate the electronic bingo business in Greene County. House Bill 545 is sponsored by State Rep. Artis “A.J.” … Continued
House passes safe harbor for economic developers bill
Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed HB 289, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton. The bill protects economic developers from having to register as lobbyists. HB289 is similar in some respects to last year’s HB317, which passed last year but has a sunset provision that it expires this month. HB289 has no sunset provision. … Continued
Coastal Alabama Partnership holds Legislative Sendoff
The Coastal Alabama Partnership hosted the fifth Annual Meeting and Legislative Send-Off Friday, Feb. 1 at the Daphne Civic Center in Baldwin County. Attendees included State Sen. Chris Elliot, State Rep. Chip Brown, State Rep. Matt Simpson, State Rep. Alan Baker, Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood, Economic Developer Nicole Jones, Donna Baker of Baldwin EMC, representatives … Continued