In tense exchange in Alabama House, Rep. Coleman tells colleague: ‘You don’t want this smoke’ AL.com 2 hrs ago
This is an opinion column.
She was fire. Controlled fire. Fire, nonetheless.
It was the final day/night of the 2021 Alabama legislative session, the marathon day/night, the day/night when lawmakers bring their pajamas, comfortable shoes, and snacks to work until the clock strikes midnight.
A week ago Monday, around midday, Rep. Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham) had just wrapped a cordial yet spirited repartee with Rep. Paul Lee (R-Houston County) over the vaccination passport bill. As the lawmakers stood at podiums safely socially distanced apart on the House floor, Coleman asked Lee to read portions of the bill, including amendments, to clarify how they prevented private businesses and educational institutions from requiring customers or students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. She also repeatedly asked that their exchange be recorded.
Montgomery Advertiser
MONTGOMERY, Ala. The Alabama Legislature Thursday gave final approval to a bill that would create a statewide medical marijuana program, following two historic votes and a House debate spanning more than two days.
Alabama s House of Representatives voted 68 to 34 to approve the measure, sponsored by state Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, despite a lengthy filibuster from about a half-dozen dedicated opponents that delayed a vote on the bill on Tuesday. The state Senate concurred in changes to the bill late Thursday on a 20 to 9 vote.
State Rep. Mike Ball, R-Madison, a longtime medical cannabis advocate who handled the bill in the House, had tears in his eyes when speaking to reporters after the House vote.
Alabama medical marijuana bill headed to Gov. Kay Ivey after historic House vote
The Montgomery Advertiser 24 mins ago Brian Lyman, Montgomery Advertiser
The Alabama Legislature Thursday gave final approval to a bill that would create a statewide medical marijuana program, following two historic votes and a House debate spanning more than two days.
The House of Representatives voted 68 to 34 to approve the measure, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, despite a lengthy filibuster from about a half-dozen dedicated opponents that delayed a vote on the bill on Tuesday. The Senate concurred in changes to the bill late Thursday on a 20 to 9 vote.
It had the votes. But it couldn t overcome the dissent.
The Alabama House of Representatives Tuesday spent over nine hours debating a bill from Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence to authorize medical marijuana, but adjourned without passing it despite overwhelming margins in favor of the bill. It s frustrating to see that a few stubborn people can block the process, said Rep. Mike Ball, R-Madison, who spent roughly eight hours in the well of the House arguing for the bill. But that s the process we have.
House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, said the chamber would take up the bill again on Thursday.