Senate Chamber [Source] Translate

The Alabama Senate meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirming a quorum of 27 senators. Senator Wagner moved to excuse absent senators and dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal, both of which were approved. Senator Kitchens proposed allowing the introduction of bills and committee reports throughout the day, which was also 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 referred to the Committee on Confirmations. Committee reports presented favorable recommendations for several Senate and House bills, which were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. Senate Joint Resolution Number 54, urging Congress to authorize a reliability report on Marine Highway 65, was adopted. Additional resolutions honoring various individuals and institutions were also adopted. Senator Smitherman highlighted significant figures in Black history, emphasizing their contributions. Senator Carnley introduced Senate Joint Resolution Number 57, recognizing the Dale County school system for its high report card score, which was adopted. Senator Gudger introduced Senate Joint Resolution Number 58 to extend the Alabama Rural Roadmap Initiative, which was also adopted with immediate consideration and co-sponsorship from all members. The meeting proceeded to local bills, with several Senate and House bills passing unanimously, including those concerning Perry, Morgan, Montgomery, and Elmore counties. House Bill 337 regarding Madison County was carried over without objection. Senator Wagner introduced a resolution congratulating the McGill-Tulin Catholic High School Volleyball Team, which was adopted. A report from the Committee on Rules established a special order of business for the 15th legislative day. Senate Bill 240, concerning parole, was discussed, emphasizing the need for comprehensive information during hearings and allowing virtual participation for victims and inmates. An amendment was proposed to ensure technical accommodations for the bill, addressing potential glitches. The meeting also discussed a bill allowing homeschoolers to participate in junior ROTC programs, with an amendment delaying implementation until the 2026-2027 school year and requiring enrollment as non-traditional public school students. Concerns were raised about ensuring only military families benefit from this provision. Senate Bill 233, regarding penalties for fleeing from law enforcement, was adopted with amendments clarifying that fleeing on foot would not be a felony. Senate Bill 274 aimed to exempt makeup artists from extensive training requirements and was adopted. Senate Bill 282 regarding manufactured homes passed unanimously. Senate Bill 227, concerning the Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing, was condensed significantly and passed after discussions about oversight and support for boards. An amendment proposed by Senator Coleman Madison was rejected, and the bill passed with 28 ayes and four nays. Senate Bill 277, concerning unincorporated nonprofit associations, was adopted, creating a new business entity structure for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Senate Bill 182 regarding the Advanced Technology and Data Exchange Fund passed unanimously. Senate Bill 222, prohibiting oversized and overweight vehicles operated by automated systems, was carried over for further consideration. Senate Bill 106, allowing individuals over 80 to apply for jury duty exemption, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 87 provided civil suit protections for real estate appraisers and passed with unanimous support. Senate Bill 216 clarified awards procedures for the state military and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 240 concerning parole was discussed, with an amendment pushing the implementation date to March 1, 2027, and passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with a message from the House regarding House Bill 360 related to taxation, referred to the Committee on Finance and Taxation Education, and several bills were recommitted to the same committee. The session adjourned until February 25th.