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Merika Coleman

News / National / State

Human trafficking bills pass state House

The State House unanimously passed three bills on Wednesday and Thursday aimed at combating human trafficking.  Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, Assistant Minority Leader, and Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, Education Policy Chair, co-sponsored the bills. “This is a great step in continuing the fight against human trafficking,” Coleman said. “The unanimous, bi-partisan passage of all three … Continued
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May 24, 2019

Two anti-bullying resolutions pass after death of Huntsville teenager

Two resolutions condemning all forms of bullying, including that based on sexual orientation or gender identity, passed the House on Thursday. The bills were introduced by Alabama House Democratic Caucus members Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, and Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, in response to the death by suicide of Nigel Shelby, a Huntsville teenager who was … Continued
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May 24, 2019

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
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May 23, 2019

Reps. Merika Coleman, Terri Collins introduce legislation aimed at fighting human trafficking

Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, and Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, introduced four bills aimed at fighting human trafficking on Wednesday in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Three of the bills passed unanimously through the committee. One, HB260, will receive a public hearing and will be voted on next week. “Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal … Continued
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April 26, 2019

House Judiciary Committee considers red flag law

The House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing Wednesday for House Bill 265, which would allow a court to order law enforcement to seize a person’s guns if there is evidence that they are a danger to themselves or the community. HB265 is sponsored by State Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham. Coleman said the legislation creates … Continued
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April 18, 2019

House Democrats say new rules will subvert democracy, transparency

House Democrats say new rules passed during an organization session earlier this week will subvert Democracy and limit the small Democratic minority’s ability to have any say or influence on legislation. “The New Procedural Rule Changes by House Republicans will silence the voices of citizens and minimize legislators ability to fully vet key legislation,” Minority … Continued
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January 11, 2019