Medical marijuana bill headed to Governor The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill that would create a statewide medical marijuana program in a historic vote that followed a debate spanning more than two days. Later that night, the Senate concurred on the House changes and sent the bill…

The Alabama Legislature met two days last week and now has only three days left in the session. The week was productive with passage of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) Budget in the House and passage of the General Fund Budget in the Senate. The ETF was the largest budget…

The Alabama Legislature has now met 21 of the constitutionally allowed 30 days. The Legislature must still pass the Education Trust Fund Budget and the General Fund Budget. Both budgets have passed one house and await action in the other Chamber. Both are in surprisingly great shape and are unlikely…

Lottery, gaming bills revived On Wednesday, the Senate Tourism Committee pumped new life into the gambling debate less than a week after a constitutional amendment to create a lottery and provide up to ten casino gaming locations failed on the floor of the Senate by a vote of 19 ayes…

Gaming legislation fails This week saw the defeat of Senator Del Marsh’s effort to pass comprehensive gambling legislation. Just a few weeks ago, I would have bet the legislation would have passed. However, when the roll was called Tuesday, the legislation failed to reach the required 21 votes for a…

The Alabama Legislature met for three days again last week and have now used 13 of the 30 possible legislative days allowed during the session. Historically, the legislature meets two days a week with one day of committee meetings.   Governor Ivey Extends Mask Mandate   While the Governor extended…

The Alabama legislature met for three days last week after taking off the previous week. The legislature has now met for 9 of the possible 30 days. So far things have run smoothly, and the COVID protocols have allowed the legislature to operate without any major problems. Guests are still…

Coronavirus priority legislation signed by Governor The Governor signed three priority bills on Friday. Senate Bill 30 by Sen. Arthur Orr (R – Decatur) would provide civil immunity for business entities, health care providers, educational entities, churches, governmental entities, and cultural institutions from certain damages claimed by individuals who allege…

Legislative session off to a busy start with almost empty State House   The House and Senate gaveled in at noon on Tuesday for the 2021 legislative session despite COVID-19 protocols that are changing operations in the State House. The 105 House members are socially-distanced throughout the House floor, House…