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‘John-Shaming’ Bill Advances to Senate With Change

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved a bill allowing the public release of photos of those who solicit prostitutes, but members requested a significant change. As written and passed by the House, House Bill 271 by Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, would allow the release of law enforcements' mugshots of those arrested for hiring or seeking to hire prostitutes. The Senate committee wants it changed on the Senate floor to allow for the release of photos only upon convictions. “It’s as simple as this: you’re innocent until proven guilty,” Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham said. Read more.

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Consultant Chosen to Conduct Search for New Jefferson County Manager

Jefferson County commissioners learned Tuesday about the local company that will be tasked with looking for a new county manager. County Manager Tony Petelos, who announced his retirement recently, told commissioners at their committee meeting that Wheless Partners will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement. “They're going to be contacting all the commissioners to get input,” Petelos said. “I felt like having a local company would be better than having a company from out of state.” Read more.

by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.

Judicial, DA Pay Changes Go to the Governor

MONTGOMERY -- A bill that would change the pay structure for judges around the state and give them a raise has been approved by the Legislature. Senate Bill 292 was amended in the House last week to also change the compensation schedule of district attorneys and the state attorney general. The Senate agreed in a 30-0 vote on Tuesday. The bill now goes to the governor. Current law says circuit judges' salaries are set by statute and then district and appellate judges and Supreme Court justices' salaries are based on circuit judges’ pay. Senate Bill 292 sets separate initial salaries for the various judges, as well as district attorneys and the attorney general, and provides for 7.5% raises each term. Read more.

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Revamped Gambling Package Goes to House Floor

MONTGOMERY -- A wide-ranging gambling package advanced in the Alabama Legislature Tuesday and is expected to be considered on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday. The plan, which passed the Senate in April, would institute a lottery, authorize sports betting and legalize casinos around the state. It has since been awaiting action in the House of Representatives, where previous gambling legislation has struggled in recent years. There are three pieces of legislation: a constitutional amendment that would go before voters in November 2022 and two enabling bills fleshing out the details of gambling policy and enforcement procedures. Each passed through its respective House committee Tuesday. Read more. More from the Legislature: Judicial, DA Pay Changes Go to the Governor Bill Would Allow Police to Issue Citations Rather Than Make Arrests Read complete coverage of the Legislature

by Todd Stacy, Alabama Daily News

Birmingham City Council Approves Incentives for HBCU Classic at Legion Field

Legion Field is adding another HBCU football classic to its schedule. The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to approve an agreement with Morehouse College and Tuskegee University to host their annual match-up for three years, starting this October. The deal calls for the city to provide up to $500,000 per year in incentives and in-kind services to host the event. The Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic previously has taken place in Columbus, Ga. — but Mayor Randall Woodfin, a Morehouse alumnus, told the council that organizers “have not felt the support they need” to stay there. Read more.

by Sam Prickett

Legislature Takes Up Wine Delivery, Budgets, Bonds for Parks and More Bills as Session Winds Down

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Legislature met for the 27th legislative day of its 30-day regular session Thursday. Here's what happened at the State House. Home Delivery of Wine  Alabamians could start ordering wine shipped directly to their homes starting Aug. 1 if Gov. Kay Ivey signs a bill sent to her Thursday. Read more. More from the Legislature this week: Literacy Act Delay Bill Running Out of Time Bill to Limit State Emergency Declarations Moving in the House Bill Requiring Accommodations for Pregnant Workers, Other Bills Won't Get Vote Bill Puts Into Law Unemployment Benefit Fraud Protections Bill Would Ban All Chemical Abortions in Alabama

by Caroline Beck and Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Bill Requiring Accommodations for Pregnant Workers, Other Bills Won’t Get Vote

MONTGOMERY — The House Judiciary Committee heard Wednesday about Democrats' bills to protect pregnant employees in the workplace, prevent discrimination based on hairstyles and alter some of the state's parole rules. But committee chairman Rep. Jim Hill, R-Moody, didn't have the committee vote on any of the proposals, saying it was too late in the session. With four legislative days left, bills would have to be fast-tracked to clear both chambers.  Read more.

by Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News

Literacy Act Delay Bill Running Out of Time

A bill to delay next year’s requirement to hold back third grade students who aren’t proficient in reading is running out of time in the Legislature. The Senate-passed measure was discussed for more than an hour in a public hearing Wednesday in the House Education Policy Committee. Committee Chairwoman Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, opted not to vote on the bill and said the committee may take it up Tuesday. If approved there, it would need a House vote during the two remaining legislative days of this session. Sponsor Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, said the pandemic has greatly altered education delivery in the state to the disadvantage of students. He argued the holdback requirement, part of the 2019 Literacy Act, should be delayed two years. Otherwise, too many students will be held back. Read more. More from the Legislature this week: Bill to Limit State Emergency Declarations Moving in the House Bill Requiring Accommodations for Pregnant Workers, Other Bills Won't Get Vote Bill Puts Into Law Unemployment Benefit Fraud Protections Bill Would Ban All Chemical Abortions in Alabama Legislature Nearing Passage of State Budgets as Session Nears End

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News
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