Language calling homosexuality illegal and unacceptable will be struck from the state s laws on sex education under a measure signed by Gov. Kay Ivey this week.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, removes a paragraph dating from 1992 that requires courses on human reproduction and sexual education to emphasize that homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a criminal offense under the laws of the state.
The bill passed the Alabama House 69 to 30 on March 2. It passed the Senate 18 to 6 on April 20. It will go into effect July 1.
In the Montgomery delegation, Reps. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road; Kelvin Lawrence, D-Hayneville; Thad McClammy, D-Montgomery; Charlotte Meadows, R-Montgomery; Tashina Morris, D-Montgomery and Chris Sells, R-Greenville voted for the bill. In the Senate, Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road voted against the bill. Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, voted for it.
Lawmakers consider delay of 3rd-grader retention in Alabama Literacy Act
Updated 8:57 PM;
The Alabama Legislature passed the Literacy Act in 2019 to emphasize the importance of making sure children learn to read in the earliest grades.
The law requires local school systems to develop comprehensive reading programs intended to identify students with reading problems at the earliest levels and resources to help those students, like reading coaches and summer camps. Officials say much of that work is under way.
But the part of the law that has probably drawn the most attention from the public is a requirement that third-graders show they can read at a certain level before being promoted to fourth grade. That requirement is scheduled to take effect with the 2021-2022 school year.
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The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill that would require public schools to provide feminine hygiene products to students.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, passed 97 to 0, but could face difficulties passing the Senate in the short time remaining in this year s regular session. It was a fact many supporters lamented. I hope these bills have a fair shot earlier in the session, said Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove. Committee chairpersons shouldn’t be judge and jury about what we have a chance to have a discussion about.
Hollis bill would require school districts to provide tampons and sanitary napkins free of charge to students from grades 5 to 12, starting in the 2022-23 school year.
Alabama House OKs legislation combatting ‘period poverty’
Updated Apr 30, 2021;
Posted Apr 29, 2021
State Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, speaks in support of legislation that would require local schools to provide menstrual products to girls in grades 5-12 at no cost. The legislation, which Hollis is sponsoring, was approved by the Alabama House on Thursday, April 29, 2021. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).
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Breanna and Brooke Bennett of Montgomery asked for their 12th birthday in 2019 to create “Women in Training” kits filled with health and hygiene products that included sanitary pads, body wash and self-care items.
The effort by the twins generated headlines and raised awareness to the issue of “period poverty,” which affects 1 in 5 American girls and millions of women worldwide who cannot afford hygiene products. It also sparked inspiration for one Alabama lawmaker who, on Thursday, oversaw the House approval of legislation requiring schools to pr
Alabama House gives OK to walk-up, drive-through alcohol sales
The Alabama House of Representatives has approved legislation that would allow drive-through and walk-up sales of beer and wine from licensed retailers. The chamber passed the bill on a 67 to 20 vote. It goes to the Senate for further consideration.
Rep. Gil Isbell, R-Gadsden, the bill s sponsor, said the bill had been requested by groups representing the petroleum industry and convenience stores. It just adds one additional thing that they can do to serve their customers, he said.
The bill would allow licensed retailers to sell beer or wine through exterior facilities, whether drive-through or walk-up windows. The individual selling the alcohol would have to be 21 years old or older, and a floor amendment on the bill said that current alcohol laws would apply to the sales.