Friday Five: February 16, 2024
The Alabama Legislature is in session, and Peritus PR is back with our fan-favorite #FridayFive legislative highlights series.
Every Friday, we’ll delve into the legislative “specials” of the week to help you digest the issues legislators have been chewing on at the Alabama State House. Grab your fork and knife, and dig into some of the bills that were introduced, debated, passed, failed or signed this week.
If you’re hungry for more, get the full course with our 2024 Alabama Legislative Guide.
THIS WEEK’S FRIDAY FIVE
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The Alabama House of Representatives passed historic legislation approving casino gambling, sports wagering and a state lottery, sending a comprehensive gaming package to the Senate. With significant bipartisan support and backing from Gov. Kay Ivey, the legislation could generate over $1 billion annually, funding mental health care and rural health initiatives. The shift in support is driven by the health care crisis in rural areas and the recognition of regulated gambling as a preferable alternative to illegal enterprises. If passed, gaming would be put on the ballot for Alabama voters to decide.
Read more: Alabama House passes its first ever comprehensive gambling legislation (Alabama Political Reporter)
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The Alabama Senate approved a bill that proposes criminalizing certain forms of absentee voting assistance and increases penalties for "ballot-harvesting,” a scenario where a third party, such as volunteers or campaign workers, can collect completed ballots and deliver them to polling places. The bill passed along party lines after a nearly three-hour filibuster from Democrats concerned about its impact on disabled and rural voters. A similar bill failed to pass last year amid opposition from groups that provide voter education and assistance.
Read more: Alabama Senate approves harsher penalties for some absentee ballot assistance (Alabama Reflector)
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A bill aimed at providing a "second chance" for certain older individuals serving life without parole passed the House Judiciary Committee. The bill, which made significant progress in the Legislature last year, would allow judges to amend sentences for individuals sentenced under the Habitual Felony Offender Act before May 26, 2000, who have served at least 24 years in prison. Supporters of the bill cite its potential to address prison overcrowding and reduce health care costs while offering a chance for redemption.
Read more: “Second Chance” bill moves forward with bipartisan support (Alabama Political Reporter)
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The Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee unanimously approved a bill that would remove state sales and use taxes from certain maternity, baby, formula and menstrual hygiene products. The bill aims to support families with small children and address equity concerns regarding taxation on essential items.
Read more: Alabama closer to removing taxes for diapers, baby formula, feminine hygiene products (AL.com)
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The Alabama Senate voted to give a politically appointed board control over the Alabama Department of Archives and History, prompted by some lawmakers’ displeasure over the department hosting a lecture on Alabama LGBTQ+ history. Under the legislation, current board members — including famed civil rights lawyer Fred Gray, best known for representing Rosa Parks after she refused to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus in 1955 — would be dismissed and replaced by appointees picked by the governor, lieutenant governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tempore.
Read more: Alabama Senate votes to change archives oversight after LGBTQ+ lecture (Associated Press)
OUR PUBLISHED BY PERITUS TAKEAWAY
Like curating your perfect plate at Nana’s Thanksgiving, we all have the right to saddle up to the table with our idea of what’s right for Alabama. With this legislative menu in hand, it’s time to decide what is going to hit the spot for our communities, our organizations and our lives.
Our team has brewed the perfect pairing with our #ALPolitics Guide, helping you identify and contact the representatives serving as head chefs in your communities’ kitchens, explore media resources to keep you informed throughout the session and bridge the gap between policymakers and your community’s table.
Whet your appetite for a better Alabama — we will see ya here next Friday!
At Peritus Public Relations, we know you want to make an impact. To do that you need confidence and clarity to take action. Tell us what’s keeping you up at night and stop letting fear of a misstep get in the way of driving your mission forward. We believe you deserve to get it right. For over a decade, organizations like yours have trusted us to navigate the best path forward.
Peritus specializes in issue advocacy, stakeholder engagement, government affairs and strategic consulting. Let’s connect if you want to learn more about how state policy affects your mission and bottom line.
Check out the 2024 Peritus PR Alabama Legislative Guide here.