A proposed Alabama constitutional amendment would legally define a fetus as a person from the moment of fertilization, effectively banning abortion in the state. The state House Health Committee on Wednesday heard testimony about it, though lawmakers didn’t vote on the amendment. Similar proposals in other states have failed to win federal court approval. Supporters of the bill, sponsored by…
Ebony Howard, a managing attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center, will speak in support of state Sen. Vivian Figures’ bill, SB 324, before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 23. The bill aims to keep troubled youths out of the adult criminal justice system, where they are more likely to be victimized and deprived of rehabilitative services. “This…
Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday issued a statement on the passage of the Alabama Prison Transformation Initiative Act by the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Governor Bentley released a statement following the committee’s passing of the the bill. “For decades, Alabama’s prisons have become increasingly overcrowded, dangerous to both inmates and our corrections officers and incredibly costly to taxpayers. I commend…
Gov. Robert Bentley wants to borrow $800 million to build four large prisons to replace Alabama’s aging and overcrowded prisons. Bentley gave details Tuesday February 23, about the construction project he first announced in his State of the State address. The proposed legislation asks lawmakers to approve an $800 million bond issue and change bid law so design and construction…
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley’s prison construction proposal is facing its first legislative test. Bentley is asking lawmakers to approve an $800 million bond issue to build four new prisons and close most existing facilities. Some members of the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee questioned aspects of the project during a public hearing Wednesday. Some lawmakers say they have concerns about…
