Alabama Legislature

Bill Would Change State’s Grand Jury Secrecy Laws, Free Witnesses to Talk About Testimony

A lawmaker from north Alabama wants grand jury witnesses to be allowed to discuss their testimony and experiences with prosecutors, something now prohibited under state law. Rep. Mike Ball, R-Madison, says current law takes away witnesses’ First Amendment rights. His bill would repeal an oath of secrecy for grand jury witnesses. House Bill 202 will be in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Ball said his original bill is modeled after federal grand jury laws, but he will bring a substitute to committee that makes the “bare minimum” changes he thinks are needed in state law. “They could talk about whatever they knew before, the questions they were asked and how they were asked,” Ball told Alabama Daily News. Read more. More from the Legislature this week: Governor Signs Alcohol Delivery Bill Read complete legislative coverage.

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Legislature Advances Wine Shipment Bill, Other Health Care and Employer-Related Bills

MONTGOMERY — The Legislature approved several bills Thursday. Here is a wrap up on action on important legislation. Read more.

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

‘Vaccine Passport’ Ban Bill Passes Senate

The Alabama Senate on Thursday approved a bill to prohibit the issuance of state or local government “vaccine passports.” Senate Bill 267 sponsor Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said governments shouldn’t allow access to services based on individuals’ immunization status. Orr talked about the current COVID-19 situation, but the bill isn’t specific to the coronavirus. Read more.

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Lifetime Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passes Final Vote

MONTGOMERY — A bill that would create a lifetime concealed carry permit and require the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to develop a statewide firearm "prohibited person" database passed its final vote Thursday. Read more. More from the Legislature this week: ‘Vaccine Passport’ Ban Bill Passes Senate Legislature Advances Wine Shipment Bill, Other Health Care and Employer-Related Bills Constitutional Amendment Would Allow $80M Bond Issue for State Park Renovations Passes First Vote House Committee Advances Medical Marijuana Bill; Three More Votes Needed Yoga Bill Going to Senate, Committee Advances Student-Athlete Compensation Bill, More Action in the Legislature Legislature Sends Alcohol Delivery Bill to Governor House Passes CA Prohibiting Legislative Changes Within Six Months of Elections Distracted Driving Bill Fails Bill Increases Tax Credit Limit for Accountability Act Donors

by Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News

Yoga Bill Going to Senate, Committee Advances Student-Athlete Compensation Bill, More Action in the Legislature

MONTGOMERY — Several state legislative committees met to consider bills Wednesday. Here are the highlights of action from the State House. Read more.

by Mary Sell and Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News

House Committee Advances Medical Marijuana Bill; Three More Votes Needed

Sen. Tim Melson’s bill to allow medical marijuana with restrictions cleared another hurdle Wednesday when it was approved by the House Judiciary Committee. Read more.

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Constitutional Amendment Would Allow $80M Bond Issue for State Park Renovations Passes First Vote

MONTGOMERY —A constitutional amendment that would allow the state to borrow $80 million to improve state parks passed its first vote in the Alabama Legislature on Wednesday. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Christopher Blankenship told Alabama Daily News that the bonds would be used to expand and improve campgrounds and recreational areas. “As we've seen this past year with COVID, state parks and outdoor recreation have been extremely important to people for their physical and mental health,” Blankenship said. “We saw great increases in usage at our parks, and also the federal wild properties in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.” Read more. More from the Legislature this week: House Committee Advances Medical Marijuana Bill; Three More Votes Needed Yoga Bill Going to Senate, Committee Advances Student-Athlete Compensation Bill, More Action in the Legislature Legislature Sends Alcohol Delivery Bill to Governor House Passes CA Prohibiting Legislative Changes Within Six Months of Elections Distracted Driving Bill Fails Bill Increases Tax Credit Limit for Accountability Act Donors

by Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News

House Passes CA Prohibiting Legislative Changes Within Six Months of Elections

MONTGOMERY — A bill that would require any future legislation related to the conduct of general elections be passed at least six months before the election passed the House Tuesday. It’s a constitutional amendment that, if passed by the Senate, would be on the ballot for the 2022 general election. Read more.

by Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News

Distracted Driving Bill Fails

MONTGOMERY — A bill that would have prohibited the use of hand-held cell phones and other electronic devices while driving was defeated in the House by one vote Tuesday. Read more.

by Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News

Legislature Sends Alcohol Delivery Bill to Governor

MONTGOMERY — Alabamians could have beer, wine and spirits delivered to their homes starting this fall. The Legislature gave final passage Tuesday to Senate Bill 126 from Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, which would allow customers to have alcoholic products home delivered from grocery or liquor stores and restaurants. It also sets up a delivery license process, fees and rules for alcohol delivery. Read more.

by Mary Sell and Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News