Author: Caroline Beck (Caroline Beck)

Expanding access to high-speed broadband internet has been one of the hallmark issues in the Alabama Legislature the last two years. Most all lawmakers agree the issue is a priority, but how exactly to go about it remains the subject of much debate.

By CAROLINE BECK, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The jail food funding practices that allowed one Alabama sheriff to buy a beach home and earned another the nickname “Sheriff Corndog” could soon be history. The Alabama House passed this week a bill to stop county sheriffs from pocketing leftover jail food funds and set...

Seventy-four Republican House members voted for the bill, and three Democrats voted against it. Many other Democrats had already left the chamber in protest when the vote was taken.

By CAROLINE BECK, Alabama Daily News A bill that would criminalize the performance of almost all abortions is expected to be voted on today in the Alabama House of Representatives. House Bill 314 and Senate Bill 211 make performing an abortion a Class A felony, but women who seek or have abortions would not be...

By CAROLINE BECK, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A bill to clarify that funds for feeding jail inmates must be spent on that purpose could be voted on today in the Alabama House of Representatives. Senate Bill 228 would stop the decades-old ability of sheriffs to keep leftover food funds for their personal use....

A bill to prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones and other devices while driving was supposed to get a vote in the Alabama House on Thursday, but in an unusual move the sponsor effectively killed his legislation.

A bill approved in the House Education Policy Committee on Wednesday would provide resources and programs to get more Alabama third-graders reading proficiently and requires that those who aren't be held back.

By CAROLINE BECK, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A new bill in the Alabama Senate would prevent local school systems from limiting the flow of per-student tax dollars to public charter schools. Senate Bill 311 is sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, who said it clarifies that money for a child’s...

Alabama lawmakers debated two very different gun regulation bills on Wednesday. One would eliminate the need for permits in order to carry a concealed weapon; the other allows for the court-ordered removal of weapons from someone who is considered to be dangerous.

A proposal in the Alabama Legislature would let people have wine shipped directly to their homes, something the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) doesn't currently allow.