News Post

On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the second week of Alabama’s Legislative Session began. It was another three-day session week, and lawmakers had a real air of getting things done. COVID-19 protocols continued with limited access, providing for the safety of all involved. The Legislature will be taking next week off to review and make decisions as to the process of proceeding with the remainder of the session when they return on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021.

Six bills received final passage with lightning speed and are across the street for the Governor’s signature. They include a bill addressing several COVID-19-related tax issues, an economic incentives package, a COVID-19-related immunity bill and a supplemental appropriation bill relating to federal funds for the rental assistance fund. It takes a minimum of five legislative days for a bill to move through the legislative process and these making it through so quickly indicate the resolve of the legislature to get to work.

There are now 413 bills that have been filed in the House of Representatives and 233 in the Senate. Some of the new bills filed this week relate to the reform of civil asset forfeiture, more prison, tax and election related bills, broadband expansion, comprehensive gambling legislation and other criminal bills that can be found in the tracking list below..

On Wednesday, committees were hard at work, packed with bills that were debated and reviewed. Some of the bills moving through committee were the civil asset forfeiture bill in the Senate, a bill dealing with artificial intelligence, more prison reform legislation, supplemental appropriations, wiretapping in drug trafficking cases, expansion and uniformity of accountability courts and legislation dealing with bonds.

On Thursday, the House and Senate worked through their respective special order calendars. The Senate concluded with a discussion of the comprehensive gambling legislation and the passage of direct wine shipment. The House passing the priority COVID-19 oriented legislation sent to the Governor.

As always, the Alabama State Bar encourages all members to be aware of legislation that may impact court costs and fees. Access to justice is a priority. Please be aware of advertisements that may be occurring for local bills and those that may already be filed to use the courts as a fundraiser for non-court entities. We encourage you to be informed and notify us as well..

Legislative Calendar

The regular session of the 2021 Legislative Session is proceeding as follows:

• The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
• The House has adjourned until Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.