Cam Ward

Ivey to host bill signing ceremony

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will host a ceremonial bill signing of legislation that passed during the 2019 Regular Session on Thursday. Eight bills will be signed by the governor at a ceremony in the historic Senate Chambers. House Bill 380 – This bill makes significant changes to the operation and membership of the Alabama Board … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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June 6, 2019

Two human trafficking bills pass the Legislature

The Alabama legislature unanimously passed two bi-partisan human trafficking bills Friday. House bills 261 and 262 were sponsored by State Representative Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham), and State Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) guided both through the Senate. The bills are now in Governor Kay Ivey’s (R) office for her consideration. HB261 requires that all new commercial driver … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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June 4, 2019

Legislature passes Board of Pardons and Paroles reform

The Alabama Senate passed House Bill 380 Thursday, which reforms the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. The House has already passed the legislation so it now goes to the governor. HB380 was sponsored by State Rep. Connie Rowe, R-Jasper. The bill was carried in by Senate Judiciary Chairman Cam Ward, R-Alabaster. Alabama Gov. Kay … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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May 31, 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

Jessa Reid Bolling

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May 29, 2019

Ballot access reform is unlikely to get out of committee

Reports are that a bill to make it easier for minor party candidates and independents to get ballot access likely will not even get out of committee in its house of origin this session. Senate Bill 336 is sponsored by State Senator Cam Ward, R-Alabaster. According to the synopsis: “Under existing law, to gain ballot … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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May 21, 2019

Senate Committee approves pay raises for corrections officers

The Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee gave a favorable report Wednesday to a bill to raise pay for Alabama Corrections officers. House Bill 468 is sponsored by State Rep. Christopher John England, D-Tuscaloosa. “We have already paid for this one,” England said. “This is the compensation package for corrections officers.” The money is … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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May 9, 2019

Senate committee expected to consider juvenile justice reform bill Wednesday

A Senate committee will consider legislation Wednesday aimed at creating better outcomes for youth in Alabama’s juvenile justice system by reducing the number of youth placed in state detention for low-level offenses. The bill — sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster — aims to keep low-level offenders at home instead of in state facilities, … Continued

Chip Brownlee

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April 30, 2019

Opinion

Weekly 2019 legislative report

The Alabama Legislature met for Day 12 of its annual Regular Session on Tuesday, April 23. Thirty-three committee meetings were held throughout the week to consider legislation. Both Houses met on Thursday, April 25 for Day 13. 849 bills have been introduced to date. The Legislature will return to Montgomery on Tuesday, April 30 for … Continued

Beth Lyons

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April 29, 2019

Committee considers bill allowing optometrists to increase their scope of practice

Wednesday, the Alabama Senate Health Committee debated a bill that would allow optometrists to add minor surgical procedures to their scope of practice. Ophthalmologists, doctors with a medical degree who treat the eye as a specialty, oppose the legislation. Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, is the sponsor of Senate Bill 114. Whatley said that he has … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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April 25, 2019