The League of Women Voters of Alabama

The 2008 First Special Session of the Alabama Legislature adjourned on Saturday, May 30.

The LWVAL Advocacy Team established legislative priorities for the 2008 legislative session based on LWVAL positions, LWVUS positions, and League principles. The League's action during the Special Session was based on an ongoing assessment of the opportunities to affect change with respect to these positions and principles. Although the session has concluded, the League's Legislative Report remains posted here for public review of session events.

The League's Legislative Report covering the 2008 General Session also remains posted for public review of session events.

Special Session Legislation Impacting
LWVAL Advocacy Priorities

NOTE: INCLUSION OF A BILL IN THIS LEGISLATIVE REPORT DOES NOT NECESSARILY INDICATE THE LEAGUE'S SUPPORT FOR THAT LEGISLATION. PLEASE CLICK ON THE ISSUE LINK TO READ ABOUT THE BILLS, INCLUDING THE LEAGUE'S POSITION ON THEM. OTHER BILLS, FOR WHICH THE LEAGUE HAS NOT TAKEN A POSITION, ARE ALSO BEING MONITORED. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE MONITORED BILLS CAN BE FOUND ON THE ISSUE PAGES.

Updated May 28, 2008

Green Text = Most recent legislative activity
Red Text = Active Action Alert.

Judicial Selection Process Tier II advocacy priority

HB20 DeMarco and SB65 Bedford - Regarding minimum licensure requirements for judges. This legislation requires minimum time of licensure for judicial candidates and is a step toward a more qualified judiciary. It is neutral in terms of how the judge is chosen.
HB20 was read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Government Appropriations on 5/27.
SB65 was amended in committee (103398-2) and was pending a third read and favorable report from Judiciary at end of session. The amendment changed the effective date from January to March 2009.
A Call to Action was issued in support of HB20 and SB65. Read more...

Monitored Legislation

HB25 - Boyd - Concerning Budgeting and Taxation - Constitutional amendment that would extend maximum time limit on special sessions if no budget passes.
HB25 was read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Government Appropriations on 5/27.

SB55 - Mitchell - Concerning Ban on Pac to PAC Transfers - Under existing law, a political action committee may make a contribution to another political action committee. This bill would prohibit a political action committee from making a contribution to another political action committee and designating a candidate to receive the contribution.
SB55 was reported favorable from Governmental Affairs, read for the second time in the Senate and placed on the calendar on 5/28. It was pending third reading at close of session.