The Alabama Channel (thealabamachannel.org) Alabama Senate [Source] Translate

The Alabama Senate meeting commenced with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirming a quorum with 27 senators present. Absent senators were excused, and the reading of the previous day's journal was dispensed with. Senator Ketchins' motion to allow the introduction of bills and committee reports throughout the day was approved. Special guests included students from Auburn University and retired MPD Sergeant Martin Beeman. Messages from the House included multiple local legislation bills referred to the Committee on Local Legislation, and the governor's appointments to various boards were referred to the Committee on Confirmations. Several committee reports were presented, with favorable recommendations for various Senate and House Bills, which were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. Senator Woods introduced Senate Joint Resolution Number 54, urging Congress to authorize a reliability report on Marine Highway 65, which was adopted. Senator Smitherman highlighted significant figures in Black history, while Senator Carnley introduced Senate Joint Resolution Number 57, recognizing the Dale County school system for its high report card score, and Senator Gudger introduced Senate Joint Resolution Number 58 to extend the Alabama Rural Roadmap Initiative, which was adopted. The meeting proceeded with the passage of several local bills, including Senate Bill 301, Senate Bill 314, Senate Bill 295, Senate Bill 312, and various House Bills, all passing unanimously. Senator Wagner's resolution congratulating the McGill-Tulin Catholic High School Volleyball Team was adopted, and a report from the Committee on Rules established a special order of business for the 15th legislative day. Senate Bill 240, concerning the Board of Pardons and Parole, was discussed, focusing on virtual participation in hearings. An amendment was proposed to delay the implementation deadline to address potential technical issues. Senate Bill 201, allowing homeschool students to participate in Junior ROTC programs, was amended to require enrollment as non-traditional public school students and was passed. Senate Bill 233, introduced by Senator Beall, clarified penalties for fleeing from law enforcement and was adopted unanimously. Senate Bill 274, regarding cosmetology training requirements, was also adopted unanimously. Senate Bill 282, addressing manufactured homes, and Senate Bill 227, streamlining the Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing, were passed after discussions and amendments. Senator Beall introduced Senate Bill 277 for unincorporated nonprofit associations, which was approved. Senate Bill 182 regarding the Advanced Technology and Data Exchange Fund was passed, as was Senate Bill 222, which prohibits oversized vehicles operated by automated systems on highways. Concerns about the implications of this bill led to its carryover. Senate Bill 106, allowing individuals over 80 to apply for jury duty exemption, and Senate Bill 87, providing real estate appraisers with a five-year protection from civil suits, were both passed unanimously. Senate Bill 216 clarified military award procedures and was also passed without objection. The meeting concluded with a message from the House regarding House Bill 360 related to taxation, which was referred to the Committee on Finance and Taxation Education. Pro Tem Godger requested the recommitment of several bills, and the session adjourned until February 25th.