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Committee OKs bill to block state funds from being used in sexual harassment, assault cases

A bill passed unanimously out of an Alabama Senate committee Tuesday would block state funding from being used to pay for sexual harassment or assault claims against state employees and public officials. If the bill passes, those officials would have to pay out of their own wallets to settle any sexual harassment, misconduct or assault … Continued
February 21, 2018

Bill to scrap special elections for US Senate makes it out of committee

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter A bill that would do away with distinct special elections for U.S. Senate vacancies gained the approval of an Alabama State Senate committee Thursday. The bill sponsored by Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark would direct the governor to set the election to fill a vacated U.S. Senate seat to coincide … Continued
February 16, 2018

Sen. Whatley proposes changes to sex ed law to remove dated anti-LGBT language

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter A state senator is proposing changes to Alabama’s sex education law that would remove dated, blatantly anti-LGBT language and make other portions of the code more scientifically accurate. Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, is sponsoring the bill, which would remove discriminatory language from state law directing educators to teach that homosexuality … Continued
February 12, 2018

Alabama Senate moves to make “upskirting” illegal

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The Alabama Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to pass a bill that would make a voyeuristic act known as “upskirting” a felony. If passed by the House and signed into law, the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, would make it illegal for anyone to take a photo … Continued
February 9, 2018

Senate committee approves bill to allow display of Ten Commandments on public property

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter An Alabama Senate committee approved a bill Thursday that will allow for the public display of the Ten Commandments on public property including government building grounds and public schools. The bill, by Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, received a unanimous vote from the Senate Constitution, Ethics and Elections committee after … Continued
February 9, 2018

Senate committee approves bill to make absentee voting more flexible

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The Senate Constitution, Ethics and Elections Committee approved a bill Thursday that would make absentee voting for many Alabamians more flexible. Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, is carrying the bill this year after a bill he proposed last year to authorize early voting failed to pass the Legislature. While the … Continued
February 9, 2018

Senate approves bill intended expand rural broadband access

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The Alabama Senate on Thursday approved a bill intended to expand rural access to highspeed broadband internet. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Guntersville, aims to expand private investment in broadband infrastructure by providing tax incentives to telecommunications and cable companies that invest in rural areas. Senate Bill … Continued
February 5, 2018

Senators approve bipartisan bill that would take Uber, Lyft statewide

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Senators approved a bill unanimously Thursday that would move regulations of ride-hailing companies like Lyft and Uber from the local level to the state level, potentially allowing the companies to operate statewide. The bill, SB143, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, and President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, still … Continued
January 26, 2018

Senators vote nearly unanimously to do away with marriage licenses

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Marriage licenses and state-mandated marriage ceremonies may soon be a thing of the past if the Alabama Senate has anything to say about. The Alabama Senate voted Tuesday to approve a bill that would abolish the requirement for marriage licenses and allow two people to enter into a marriage … Continued
January 17, 2018