Both chambers of the Alabama Legislature were marked by fiery debate and filibustering over several controversial bills this week. With the end of session growing closer, such slowdowns and shutdowns of the legislative process can prove devastating to those legislative measures yet to be considered.
On Tuesday, the House adopted a one-bill special order calendar that preceded its already proposed special order, of which the HBAA-backed HOA legislation was number one. The one-bill calendar revolved around the Birmingham-Jefferson County Waterworks Board legislation that shifted some representation to other counties served by the board. This controversial bill led to a multi-hour stall that ultimately culminated in a cloture motion* to end debate.
On Thursday, the House took up prison reform, which resulted in a day-long debate led by Rep. John Rogers (D-Birmingham). Still upset with passage of the waterworks bill, Rogers threatened to have every amendment to the prison reform bill read aloud. Though he didn't follow through on those threats, he did follow through on one. House rules state that if any member requests a bill be read at length, he or she must remain at the podium as the bill is read. Perched on a small wooden stool provided by Speaker Hubbard, Rep. Rogers sat for hours as the 146 page prison reform bill was read word by word.
Even the Senate faced heated debate that turned to filibuster. Alleged interference of the Business Council of Alabama with two bills in the Senate led to an agreement being violated between Senators. This led
Senator Paul Bussman (R-Cullman) to take to the microphone and declare that he was done with outside interference and political dishonesty. His debate on Thursday is expected to continue through Tuesday and potentially next Thursday.
Despite debates that have stalled both chambers, the HBAA made significant headway with its legislative agenda, with one bill making it to the Governor. Here is the latest:
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