A bill proposed this legislative session would repeal five major handgun restrictions. The bill is sponsored by Senator Gerald Allen of Tuscaloosa. The bill, known as Senate Bill 24, would eliminate the need for anyone to have a carry permit. It’s this aspect of SB 24 that upsets Butler County Sheriff Kenny Harden. “It’s a bad piece of legislation. It’s probably one…
A legislative committee has approved a bill that would prevent judges from imposing a death sentence when a jury has recommended life imprisonment. The House Judiciary Committee passed the bill Wednesday afternoon that would give the final decision to a jury instead of a judge. Currently in Alabama, a jury recommends a sentence of death or life imprisonment in capital…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Wednesday, January 18, Senator Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) pre-filed legislation in the Alabama State Senate to allow Alabamians to lawfully carry guns without a permit. Allen’s permit less carry proposal would remove a needless restriction on Alabamians’ Second Amendment rights and make it easier for citizens to protect and defend their families and property. “Alabama should be leading…
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has signed a compromise bill to use the state’s oil spill settlement funds for debts, Medicaid and roads. Bentley signed the bill Thursday during a bill-signing ceremony at the Alabama Capitol. The Alabama Legislature gave final approval to the bill Wednesday night after lawmakers agreed to a compromise on how to use the money. The plan…
The Latest on lottery legislation and a special session of the Alabama Legislature (all times local): ___ 1 p.m. Gov. Robert Bentley’s lottery bill hit a major stumbling block over the issue of electronic gaming. Several Democrats, who previously voted for the bill, said Friday they wanted to allow, or at least keep the door open, to electronic gambling machines…
A lottery bill is headed to a vote in the Alabama Senate. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said he intends to seek an up or down vote on a lottery bill on Thursday afternoon. The bill is expected to include allowing electronic gambling machines at four dog tracks and possibly in Houston County. Marsh said he thought it was…
Lottery supporters and opponents are squaring off in the Alabama Legislature. A Senate committee on Tuesday morning heard passionate testimony during a public hearing on five lottery bills. The committee is weighing Gov. Robert Bentley’s plan to set up a lottery to fund Medicaid. The committee is also considering rival proposals that would allow electronic gambling machines at dog tracks…
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said he did not think a state lottery was the “perfect option” for funding government, but said it was the only one left. In an opinion piece submitted Wednesday to news outlets, Bentley expanded on his reasons for calling a special session on a state lottery. The governor, who is a dermatologist, said he could not…
Former House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s name has been removed from the Alabama Legislature’s website in the wake of his conviction on ethics charges. A jury convicted Hubbard Friday evening on 12 felony ethics charges. The felony convictions caused Hubbard’s automatic and immediate removal from office. The Legislature’s website was updated to remove Hubbard’s name as the leader of the House…
A proposed gas tax increase to pay for road and bridge construction has cleared its first hurdle in the Alabama Legislature. The House transportation committee approved the bill Thursday. It now moves to the House of Representatives. The proposal would raise the tax by 6 cents per gallon. The tax would be adjusted every four years to equal the average…
