Rodger Smitherman Archives • Page 2 of 5 • Alabama Political Reporter

Senate passes delayed implementation of Alabama literacy program

Smitherman's legislation would delay the implementation of the plan to hold back third-graders who are not at grade level.

April 14, 2021

Senate committee approves mandatory kindergarten bill

The Senate Education Policy Committee approved the legislation requiring all first graders attend kindergarten or demonstrate proficiency.

April 1, 2021

Senate committee advances resentencing bill

Bill would allow judges to resentence nonviolent offenders who were sentenced more harshly than they would be today.

March 23, 2021

Senate Judiciary Committee advances Aniah’s law

Aniah's law would allow a judge to deny bail to a defendant charged with a class A felony.

March 18, 2021

Bill to make kindergarten mandatory carried over in committee

HB423 would require every 6-year-old who didn't attend kindergarten to pass a competency exam before being admitted to first grade.

March 18, 2021

Senate votes to give DAs more freedom on the appointment of investigators

The appointment of investigators by a DA would not be subject to a county personnel system.

March 3, 2021

Senate committee advances bill to make coronavirus relief checks, forgiven PPP loans nontaxable

Monday, the Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee gave a favorable report to a bill that would make stimulus checks under the federal CARES Act to individuals as well as Payroll Protection Program (PPP) forgiven loans exempt from the Alabama State income tax. Senate Bill 250 is sponsored by Senator Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook). … Continued

May 6, 2020

Senate bill would shield businesses, other entities from coronavirus lawsuits

The Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee on Monday gave a favorable report to a bill that would make it harder for persons to sue others for their coronavirus infection. SB351 is sponsored by Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Chairman Arthur Orr, R-Decatur. This bill would provide civil immunity for business entities, health … Continued

May 5, 2020

Senate delays vote on bill that would reallocate judges

The Alabama Senate delayed a vote on a bill Tuesday that would reallocate judges from areas in decline to areas of the state that are experiencing growth. Senate Bill 255 is sponsored by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore. “Why is this needed? Some counties in South Alabama and North Alabama have grown rapidly,” and need judges, … Continued

March 11, 2020