Author: Mary Sell (Mary Sell)

Legislation is needed to ensure Alabama families and restaurant owners aren’t penalized on their state income taxes for credits and grants they receive under the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The Alabama Legislature gave final approval this week to a bill creating a new state authority to oversee the expansion of high-speed broadband internet services throughout the state.

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved a bill allowing for the public release of photos of those who solicit prostitutes, but members requested a significant change.

Senate Bill 92 from Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, was approved in the House Education Policy Committee Tuesday morning on a voice vote. Committee chair Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, one of the original sponsors of the 2019 Literacy Act that requires the holdback, was a “no” vote.

A bill to change the pay structure for judges around the state and give them a raise could get final passage in the Legislature today.

Senate Bill 59 by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, would require cities to pass ordinances specifying what offenses could get court summonses rather than immediate arrests. 

A bill to delay next year’s requirement to hold back third grade students who aren’t proficient in reading is running out of time in the Legislature.

After taking an initial hit at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic last year, Alabama's economy has largely bounced back. Still, some businesses are having trouble finding enough workers, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Paschal received 1,476 votes, about 51%, defeating Leigh Hulsey, according to unofficial results on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website.

Labor says fraud cases are up since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The department has received about 25,000 to 30,000 fraud reports since opening a reporting portal last July, spokeswoman Tara Hutchison told Alabama Daily News. But that doesn’t mean all those reports will be determined to be fraud, she said.

The Senate also approved bills to allow election officials to serve in any precinct in a county where they’re registered to vote; to allow the secretary of state to conduct an one-time post-election pilot audit after the 2022 general election.

By CAROLINE BECK and MARY SELL, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Legislature met for the 24th day of its 30-day regular session Tuesday. Here are the highlights of what happened at the State House. Bill ensuring hospital, nursing home visitation rights goes to governor A bill requiring hospitals and nursing homes to...

The Alabama Senate on Tuesday approved legislation changing the state’s civil asset forfeiture laws, putting new rules on what law enforcement can take from those charged with low-level drug offenses.

Welcome to the 24th legislative day of the 2021 Regular Session. Counting today, we have seven legislative days left before lawmakers reach their 30-day limit set by the constitution.

Alabama ranks No. 8 for economic momentum so far in 2021, according to State Policy Reports, a D.C.-based publication.