This past week, the Alabama Legislature passed bills to continue a number of state boards and commissions, to assist local government in functioning efficiently. Also, plans for possible expansion and regulation of gaming in the state were discussed. Tuesday (17th Day of Regular Session): The House gave final approval to Senate-passed bills for electric
Last week, it was revealed that the Poarch Creek tribal leaders approached state officials regarding a state bail-out to address the budget shortfall in exchange for a compact that would give the tribe exclusive gaming rights. The proposed compact would also require the tribe to pay the state a percentage
This past week in the Alabama Legislature, the Senate was deep in debate about Medicaid, the House passed bills related to voting and a bill allowing the medical use of marijuana made it through a Senate committee. Tuesday (15th Day of Regular Session): The Senate became mired in debate after passing a resolution asking
Last week, in a nine-page executive summary to legislative leaders and members, Governor Robert Bentley outlined the impact to statutorily mandated services if revenue measures he proposed are not enacted by the them. See the full memo below. govmemo on cuts-1
by Allen Sanderson Senate Bill 89 has been proposed to “fix” issues concerning the Birmingham Water Board. But what’s wrong with the current board and its operations? Nothing, if you review these key factors: The board’s management team has a combined 100+ years of professional management, accounting and engineering experience,
This past week, the Alabama Legislature passed bills to provide education funding, to promote the employment of veterans and to empower municipal planning commissions. Tuesday (13th Day of Regular Session): The House passed bills to allow physicians providing pain management services to do so at multiple locations without additional registration fees; to hold liable
Alabama now has a new source for comprehensive political and business news. The recently launched Alabama Today, led by veteran political activist Apryl Marie Fogel, offers a distinct editorial voice as it covers politics, public policy and business news. In addition, it will feature expansive coverage of women’s growing influence in politics,
Alabama and 12 other states filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting the three-drug combination being used in Oklahoma to execute inmates. Alabama and the other 12 states argue that the three-drug lethal injection protocol used in Oklahoma complies with U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and
This past week, the Alabama Legislature passed bills to provide more autonomy to county governments, to provide a tax deduction to those contributing to catastrophic savings accounts, and to place emphasis on hiring military veterans. Tuesday (11th Day of Regular Session): The House passed bills to prohibit the use of eminent domain for purposes
House Speaker Mike Hubbard says the legislature will pass budgets before the regular session ends. He says it is important to show the people of Alabama the legislature is doing everything to shrink the size of government before considering any new revenue measures. Speaker Hubbard says that lawmakers see the
