Constitution

Legislature OKs bill ending marriage licenses

Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill that would end the requirement that marriages must be solemnized with some sort of a ceremony and the state will no longer issue licenses giving two people permission to marry. Instead, the state will simply record that a marriage exists. Senate Bill 69 is sponsored by … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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May 24, 2019

Opinion

Give them an inch, they’ll take your rights

Last week, I had the great experience to join my colleagues in a little friendly competition at the Congressional Clays Competition hosted by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. It was great to express our Second Amendment rights with some healthy rivalry, but it reminded me of those in this country who cannot express this right freely. … Continued

Bradley Byrne

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May 21, 2019

Lottery, budgets dominate as session winds toward a close

The Memorial Day holiday is approaching, and state legislators are saying privately that they are ready for this session to be over, but much work remains to be done. Only 21 of a possible 30 legislative days have been used, so this session could technically last through mid-June, but this session was sidetracked by a … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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May 20, 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

Brandon Moseley

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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

Brandon Moseley

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May 16, 2019

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

Brandon Moseley

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May 15, 2019

Lottery bill to be considered in committee this week

The lottery bill is expected to be voted on in committee this week. AL.com has reported the vote would take place in committee Tuesday, but later reporting by the Alabama Daily News stated that the vote would be Wednesday afternoon in the House Tourism and Economic Development Committee. As of press time, the legislature is … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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May 14, 2019

Senate to consider abortion ban Thursday

The Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee gave a favorable report Wednesday to a bill that would ban most abortions in the state of Alabama following a public hearing. The full Senate is expected to consider the bill Thursday. House Bill 314 is sponsored by state Representative Terri Collins, R-Decatur. Rep. Collins asked the Senate to pass … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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May 9, 2019

Shelby proposes a balanced budget amendment

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Alabama, has re-introduced legislation proposing a constitutional amendment that would require Congress to pass a balanced budget. Shelby is concerned with our nation’s growing national debt, which has soared past $22 trillion. Shelby has introduced similar legislation each Congress since joining the Senate. “While our national debt continues to climb, it … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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May 7, 2019