Senate passes slew of bills with nearly empty chamber

By
Adam Powell
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8
38
Alabama Senate empty chamber_3 March 2016

During Thursday’s legislative session, a variety of bills were passed on the Senate floor with at one point, only  13 lawmakers attending. The number of senators slowly dwindled throughout the session until a most were absent.

Among the bills passed with a nearly empty chamber were SB95 from Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R-Montgomery), which allows foster children to visit friends without the permission of the foster agency; SB131 from Sen. Paul Sanford (R-Huntsville), which provides a tax break for the money people pay into their Health Savings Accounts; SB103 from Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn), which would increase the cost of waterfowl stamps; and  SB215 from Sen.Jimmy Holley (R-Elba), which allows for “automated civil enforcement” of school bus violations and at least five others.

The only bill that faced real conversation was SB148 from Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville), which would require all passengers in a car to wear a seat belt. Currently, everyone under 15 years of age is required to buckle a safety belt in the back seat of a car. McClendon’s bill would require everyone to do so.

Sen. Trip Pittman (R-Montrose) opposed the measure on the grounds that it is an overreach to require all car riders to fasten a safety belt, which McClendon asserts would save lives. Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile), who noted her support for wearing seat belts, contested the requirement that drivers be charged with the folly of their passengers.

The Senate carried McClendon’s bill over and adjourned shortly thereafter.

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8 COMMENTS

  8. I think this is disgusting!!! To think we have elected these people!!! Oh I forgot they are on taxpayer time, so that is no big deal!!! I guess they can call another special session later on in the year to pass more bills!! I do not see the one Del Marsh that wants teachers to be evaluated by their students!! I think we should be able to evaluate our elected officials! If our district has low incomes and no jobs available then our elected officials should have to take a pay cut!! What is good for the goose is good for the gander!!!

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