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Residents express concerns with recent Birmingham Waterworks actions

A number of Brook Highland residents are expected to attend today’s meeting of the Birmingham Waterworks Board (BWWB) to express their concerns with recent actions by the Birmingham utility. The Alabama Political Reporter recently met with Brook Highland residents over their concerns. The Waterworks is in the process of constructing a large chain link fence … Continued
January 29, 2020

Medical marijuana users tell their stories to Medical Cannabis Study Commission

Thursday, the Medical Cannabis Study Commission held its third meeting. The Commission has been tasked with presenting a policy recommendation to the legislature on exactly what the best medical marijuana bill should look like. The Commission held a public hearing in which a number of medical marijuana users claimed that the drug has benefitted them. … Continued
October 4, 2019

Alabama Public Service Commission set to decide fate of solar fee

The fate of Alabama Power’s extra fees to customers with rooftop solar panels now rests with the Alabama Public Service Commission, although it was unclear Thursday when a decision would come or whether there will be a public hearing on the matter.  Alabama Power, which provides electrical service to about two-thirds of the state, says … Continued
August 30, 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
May 15, 2019

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
April 29, 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
April 26, 2019

Committee considers bill requiring local school funding follow children to public charter schools

The Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee held a public hearing Wednesday on a bill that would require that more local public school funding follow children whose parents choose instead to enroll them in public charter schools instead of the local public school where the state has assigned them. Senate Bill 311 is sponsored by Senate … Continued
April 25, 2019

Committee approves Gov. Kay Ivey’s gas tax, infrastructure package

Thursday, the state House Transportation Utilities, and Infrastructure Committee gave a favorable report to a three-bill infrastructure and fuel tax increase package introduced by state Representative Bill Poole. R-Tuscaloosa. Poole told the committee that the passage of the legislation to increase fuel taxes was “critical moment in the history of the state in my judgment.” … Continued
March 8, 2019

Gas tax opponents denounce special session as “government malpractice”

Stop the Alabama Gas Tax PAC said that Alabamians should view Tuesday night’s special session announcement from Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature’s cooperation as “governmental malpractice.” “Montgomery politicians are coming for your wallet and they’re coming fast,” Ralph Long, chairman of the Stop the Alabama Gas Tax PAC said Wednesday. “This special session, held … Continued
March 8, 2019

ADECA releases plan to spend $25 million in VW settlement money

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) released its plans last week for spending more than $25 million — its share of a $2.3 billion national settlement with Volkswagen — and is now seeking public input on the plan. The settlement stemmed from VW’s scheme to cheat emissions testings, which resulted in years … Continued
December 31, 2018