Weather

Montgomery

Current: 72°

Partly Cloudy

Wind: 0 MPH

Pressure: 30.04

Humidity: 87 %

Go to Weather page

More Weather

Summary of action in Alabama Legislature

Tools

Story Created: May 9, 2012 at 1:00 AM CDT

Story Updated: May 9, 2012 at 6:00 AM CDT

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A summary of action in the Alabama Legislature on Tuesday, the 27th meeting day of the regular session:

HOUSE:

—Gave final passage to a bill allowing the state to opt out of providing insurance coverage for abortions under a federal health care plan. Goes to governor.

—Gave final passage to a package of bills aimed at making insurance for homeowners affordable. Go to governor.

—Gave final approval to a bill that cutting off state pensions for public employees who commit crimes related to their government positions. Goes to governor.

—Gave final approval to a bill that creates a new pension system for new state employees who are hired after Jan. 1, 2013. Goes to governor.

—Gave final approval to a bill that would require school bus drivers to undergo additional physical and medical testing before getting behind the wheel. Goes to governor,

—Did not have enough votes to bring up for debate a bill to allow beer to be sold in larger bottles.

SENATE:

—Passed a bill to clarify that the state's health insurance program for educators can negotiate favorable prescription drug rates. Goes to House.

—Gave final passage to a bill making it a crime to impersonate a judge. Goes to governor.

—Gave final approval to a bill to renew the state's severance tax on coal. Goes to governor.

—Delayed action on a bill to create a state health insurance exchange as part of the federal healthcare law.

—Passed a bill to provide tax credits to businesses that investment in poor neighborhoods. Goes to House.

—Gave final passage to legislation allowing the state transportation director to hire three deputy directors and a chief engineer outside the state merit system. Goes to governor.

— Agreed with House changes to a bill providing $300 for supplies to every classroom teacher. Goes to governor.

COMMITTEES:

—House Ways and Means-Education Committee discussed the $5.5 billion education budget, but delayed a vote until Wednesday.

—House Ways and Means-Education Committee approved a bill providing tax breaks for developing large tourist attractions. Goes to House.

—Senate Job Creation and Economic Development Committee passed a bill to legalize making beer and wine at home. Goes to Senate.

—Senate Finance and Taxation-General Fund Committee approved a $1.4 billion education budget. Goes to Senate.

—House Judiciary Committee approved a bill to establish the crime of home invasion. Goes to House.

AGENDA:

—House Ways and Means-Education Committee meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday in room 617 at the Alabama Statehouse to consider the education budget.

—House and Senate meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Next Article Ala. man pulled from submerged vehicle identified

Most Viewed

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.