Alabama’s longest serving sheriff convicted on two felony charges
Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely was convicted of felony theft and a felony ethics charge.
felony
House committee passes bill banning treatments for trans minors
Republican Rep. Joe Lovvorn expressed concern that the bill, if it becomes law, could result in more teen suicides.
House committee gives favorable report to “born alive” bill
“The born alive” bill, House Bill 237, is sponsored by State Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg.
Lawmakers introduce new federal female genital mutilation legislation
After the federal law that made female genital mutilation a felony was found unconstitutional by a federal judge in Michigan, the National EndFGMToday initiative has called on states to enact their own laws to protect women and girls from the practice. So far, 35 states now have FGM criminalization laws in place. 15 states, including … Continued
State draws national attention for chemical castration bill
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill into law Monday requiring that some sex offenders be chemically castrated for the rest of their lives once released from prison. The bill drew national media attention. CNN, the Atlantic, the New Yorker, Vox, CBS, ABC News, Axios, the Hill, the U.K. Daily Mirror and Slate all reported … Continued
House passes chemical castration bill
The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday requiring that child rapists be chemically castrated for the rest of their lives once released from prison. House Bill 379 is sponsored by State Rep. Steve Hurst, R-Munford. Hurst said his original idea was for surgical castration, but after much research of the issue, he instead … Continued
Former Washington County revenue commissioner indicted
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Wednesday the arrest of Laura Lee (Lewis) Taylor, a former Washington County revenue commissioner and former treasurer of the Public Park and Recreation Board of Washington County. Taylor, 68, is charged with 26 felonies, including first-degree theft of property, identity theft, second-degree criminal possession of forged instruments and attempt … Continued
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
Weekly 2019 Legislative Session report
The Alabama Legislature met for Day 14 of its annual Regular Session on Tuesday, April 30. Thirty-one committee meetings were held throughout the week to consider legislation. Both Houses met on Thursday, May 2 for Day 15. 943 bills have been introduced to date. The Legislature will return to Montgomery on Tuesday, May 7 for … Continued
House passes bill making it a felony to assault a journalist
Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation that would make it a felony to attack a journalist or member of the press. HB312 is sponsored by state Representative Prince Chestnut. The bill has seven co-sponsors. Chestnut said that the bill protects the First Amendment by protecting a free press. State Representative Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, … Continued