The Legislature met for two days last week, marking the 18^th and 19^th legislative days. The House adjourned at 4:04pm and the Senate adjourned at 3:45pm on Thursday. Only 11 legislative days remain in the Legislative Session.

Highlights from Last Week:

Civics Test Bill

The House passed a bill that would require students to pass a civics test before graduating high school. Legislators debated the legislation two hours before passing the bill. The bill has already passed the Senate and moves to Governor Ivey’s desk for signature.

Historic Tax Bill

The Historic Tax Credit Bill, HB 345 by Rep. Victor Gaston, passed the House with a vote of 95-7 at 9:19pm. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Firearms Bill

A bill passed the Senate that would eliminate the requirement for a permit in order to carry a concealed hand gun in the state. The bill now goes to the House for approval. 

Fantasy Sports Bill

The House passed a bill that would allow and regulate paid-entry fantasy sports in the State. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Marriage License Bill

The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would eliminate marriage licenses and allow probate judges to record marriages by providing certain documentation. The bill now goes before the full House for a vote. The bill has already passed the Senate.

Insurance Bill

A bill that would authorize most private insurance companies to cover behavior therapy for children with autism passed the House. Alabama is only one of five states that does not cover behavior therapy for children with autism. The bill now goes to the Senate. 

Execution Bill

A bill passed the Senate that would allow death row inmates to be executed by nitrogen gas. The bill would give inmates the option of being put to death by nitrogen gas instead of lethal injection.

Only three states allow this method of execution, but so far, no state has carried it out.

Daycare Licensing Bill

A bill that would require annual inspections by the Department of Human Resources for all daycares and end exemptions for church-affiliated daycares passed the House. The bill now goes to the Senate.

What’s Ahead:

On Tuesday, April 25, the House will convene at 1:00pm, and the Senate will convene at 2:00pm. The Legislature is expected to meet for two days this week. Major proposals that still must be considered by May 22 include prison reform, the state’s two budgets and legislative redistricting.

Bills on the House calendar Tuesday include: a bill that would clarify rulemaking authority of the Board of Licensure for Engineers and Land Surveyors and a bill that would allow certain prisoners to be granted medical parole if suffering from chronic life-threatening illnesses.

The Senate will release their calendar Special Order Calendar when they convene on Tuesday.