Medical marijuana legislation is headed to a key, and potentially close, vote in the Alabama House of Representatives as proponents try to get a program approved after years of setbacks.
Committee advanced repeal of habitual offender law
KIM CHANDLER , Associated Press
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) A divided Alabama House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday advanced a bill to repeal Alabama’s habitual offender law that mandates lengthy sentences for repeat offenders.
Committee members voted 9-5 to approve the bill by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, that would do away with the sentencing mandates for new cases and allow some prisoners to have their sentences reviewed. The bill now moves to the full Alabama House of Representatives but faces an uncertain future with just 13 meeting days remaining in the legislative session.
England said the mandatory sentences in habitual offender laws have resulted in arbitrarily long sentences. He said his legislation would put the decision back into the hands of judges and prosecutors.
3 legislators test positive for COVID-19 this week
March 16, 2021
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) Three Alabama lawmakers tested positive for COVID-19 this week, a legislative spokesman confirmed Tuesday.
Alabama House of Representative spokesman Clay Redden said three representatives received positive COVID-19 test results this week. He did not disclose the names of the legislators for privacy reasons.
Lawmakers and legislative staff have been receiving regular COVID-19 tests since the session began last month. Lawmakers have been taking precautions such as wearing masks, limiting access to the building and spreading out the 105 House members over two floors.
A number of lawmakers tested positive for COVID-19 before the session began.