The efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Alabama got watered down by the end of the session, and the bill that finally passed simply calls for the formation of a study commission that will explore the issue and report back to lawmakers with policy recommendations at the end of this year.
Last Friday, as the 2019 regular session closed, longtime lawmaker Jimmy Martin (R-Clanton) succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was 80 years old. He served in the House from 1998 to 2010 and was elected to the term he was currently serving in 2014, totally 17 years representing his
The legislature is nearing the end of its 2019 regular session, and a bill that looked like it might have a chance for awhile is now officially dead. Last week, disputes over distribution of funds and the unwavering opposition of two key groups killed the lottery bill, and there’s zero chance
@thebloomgroup May 21 Deputy praying with man warms hearts on social media.
The bill that will expand access to high-speed internet throughout the state was passed on Wednesday, and it is expected that Governor Ivey will sign it into law. The bill allows electric utility companies to use their existing networks to offer broadband internet to rural areas by letting them add
It’s no question that driving while distracted, specifically by a phone, is dangerous, leading to multiple car accidents, often resulting in injury or even death, every year on Alabama roadways. Last week, HB 404 was passed by a vote of 77-9, and the bill makes it illegal to hold an
A bill to allow betting on fantasy sports passed the House earlier this month, but last week, it got hung up in the Senate. The bill would make it legal for Alabamians to place wagers on fantasy sports games through popular sites like Draft Kings and others. Competing in fantasy
The House Ways and Means Education Committee publicly aired its version of the Senate-passed education budget last Tuesday and efficiently passed it of committee on Wednesday. The $7.2 billion budget includes raises for public education employees but differs from the Senate version. The bill will be before the full House on today, where
The House of Representative Education Policy Committee approved a Senate-passed proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh to overhaul the state board of education. The legislation would replace currently elected board members with members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. The legislation
At a press conference last week, Governor Ivey announced that one million more people visited Alabama in 2018 than ever before, and they spent $15.5 billion, which was $1.2 billion higher than the previous year. The industry attracted more than 27.7 million visitors, which paid $954 million in state and local taxes. State Tourism
