MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Lawmakers in Alabama began moving bills out of committee as the 2017 legislative session got underway. Here’s a look at some of Wednesday’s action:
___
RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS: The House Health committee has approved a bill that would let private adoption agencies, including those that care for state foster children, turn away gay couples on religious grounds. The bill would allow adoption or foster placement agencies to deny services and protect those agencies from state discipline like withholding licenses. The bill now moves to the House floor.
___
JUDICIAL OVERRIDE: Judges would be prohibited from imposing a death sentence when a jury has recommended life in prison, under a bill narrowly approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Alabama is the only state in the nation that allows a judge to impose a death sentence if a jury has recommended life in prison. The bill now moves to the Senate floor.
___
ABORTION: The House Health Committee approved a proposal to write into the state Constitution that it is Alabama’s public policy “to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, most importantly the right to life.” The language would change little in terms of abortion access unless the U.S. Supreme Court overturns legalized abortion. Supporters said it would send a message about the state’s beliefs. The bill now moves to the House floor.
___
IMMIGRATION: Universities and two-year colleges could lose public funds if they violate federal and state immigration rules, under a bill approved by the House State Government Committee. The bill, known as Americans First Act, now moves to the House floor. Rep. Phil Williams, the bill’s sponsor, said the bill ensures state money only goes to schools in compliance.
___
CONFEDERATE MONUMENTS: The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved a bill that would prohibit the removal of any public monument that has stood for over 50 years. Sen. Gerald Allen, the bill’s sponsor, said the intent is to protect all Alabama history. Allen said the bill is not aimed at any one type of monument or history. However, it comes amid regional debate about the appropriateness of Confederate emblems and displays on public property.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.