[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6351338,"mediaKeyId","2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc","parentId",2230390,"title","Committee advances bill to ban flavored nitrous-oxide products for under-21s","audioSeconds",613,"startMs",898000,"endMs",1511000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc&start=898&end=1511","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc/thumbnail_898000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6351338/Alabama/Committee-advances-bill-to-ban-flavored-nitrous-oxide-products-for-under-21s","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351338-5aec8fa2b7b7ed7a489a777f977a9e1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775094879&Signature=hudwFCgJ~WUAD2uH6gpaduwBu7U3KIr6hbU7YLhIZeCKu43NmaWH-ENMvtZDhYi3XzP9L62W6o98z6~cvpAcRxdT7ZqCLVYXrbVlAIjJRR9lKlqYWM0UHh5FZDxY4vM06fxLGfmegioZs51qsoTozYFV7qPT56OfUjRPKJl2vJ1fj06kNn92cko1oOc5RoJDBhVxdUbIuM9ZI5a0DUI8NTnvliDksDOOT746xoUQsCGCJf9MUy0taQleJwDM-sFO~gIMdDv8wg6bFKyGNwwdduK6cpmmTg9pi4nTqpB8EtLcqGLHV5chUydiOfZjUMg68ajMYUjiKftJp496GMY43g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee","date","2025-02-05T00:00:00Z","article","A committee advanced legislation Tuesday that would criminalize possession of certain nitrous-oxide and related inhalant products by people under 21 and bar flavored formulations that lawmakers said are aimed at youth.

Senate Bill 78, sponsored by Senator April Weaver, would create an unlawful-possession-of-inhalants offense as a Class A misdemeanor for persons under 21 and preserve exceptions for medical, manufacturing, food-preparation and automotive uses. The bill also voids the exception if a product is sold with added flavors, a provision Weaver said is intended to limit youth appeal.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator April Weaver, said the measure responds to constituent reports of youth addiction and social-media marketing of products such as “Galaxy Gas.” “If you don’t believe that it’s a problem for children, Google Galaxy Gas on Instagram, TikTok,” Weaver said while showing product samples to the committee.

Law-enforcement witnesses described widespread retail availability and youth-oriented marketing. Lieutenant Shane Plyer of the Shelby County sheriff’s office testified that products are sold at gas stations and vape shops next to vape products despite labeling that says “do not inhale.” Plyer and Hoover Police Officer Jamelle Allen told the committee that flavored marketing increases youth appeal and that nitrous oxide use can displace oxygen and cause lasting health problems, including neurological damage.

Committee members pressed the sponsor on enforcement and consequences. Several senators asked whether the bill penalizes sellers in addition to users; Weaver said the substitute limits retail sales to people 21 and older and that she would work with colleagues to add further penalties for sellers. Other members urged treatment-oriented responses rather than incarceration for minors, and witnesses said judges routinely use probation and diversion programs in many counties.

Supporters pointed to other states that have adopted restrictions; Plyer cited Louisiana, Arizona, New York and Iowa as examples. Opponents did not speak during the committee portion, but members asked for fiscal and enforcement details before final action.

The committee approved a motion to give the bill a favorable report and forwarded SB 78 to the next stage for further consideration.

Votes at the committee roll call were recorded as part of the formal report process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee February 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A committee advanced legislation Tuesday that would make possession of certain nitrous-oxide inhalant products by people under 21 a Class A misdemeanor and forbid flavored variants that lawmakers said target youth.","taxTitle","Senate, Alabama Legislative Sessions, Alabama","taxId",62183,"location","Alabama","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6351319,"Committee votes: warrants, IDs, school resource officers and library measures advanced",5306,771000,6077000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc&start=771&end=6077","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc/thumbnail_771000.jpg","/articles/6351319/Alabama/Committee-votes-warrants-IDs-school-resource-officers-and-library-measures-advanced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351319-94dd6aab663703015d42938d371a7a7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775094879&Signature=bacKCt9Ti12jKEOctFkmCgdL825uymU-1H0tffcbn4xndXoqzryobzziTNL8m2VoWOyLhY0raEiByOcoAiAdDAxGPYnb63cjAMDDt1xYhj-ioPXV6cwSeRA4xhmj-MCea4MoCH2C11EzigWomYte5c7sQUAtd5baKaSrVzmiuRZt0gXiLWqx-ATouZ9eSk~8VcCV5tZAsP5JqXhXfSIiYOfCv1TK2d83w~88mk4E~QwegBKpFOySfcQJDqxnCtrijVc-EzDIJaVcijfVODVBdEq1kYt9JrHyn~KquAhO08WYeryyeBK8KItWOMoAttlCoidYYhFfMP62ppJ8RPeJfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The County Municipal Government Committee advanced several bills with relatively brief debate Tuesday. Key outcomes and short descriptions are below.

- Warrant lapse for low-level misdemeanors (sponsor Sen. Orr, referred to as SB 82): Sponsor described a constituent case in which a long-unserved warrant from a B- or C-level misdemeanor remained outstanding for 12–14 years and later caused collateral consequences for a resident. The described substitute would allow warrants for certain B and C misdemeanors to lapse after 10 years if not served; the committee voted to advance the measure. Sponsor noted the DA’s Association assisted in drafting and an annual audit provision exists to spur service of older warrants.

- Hunting/fishing license not valid as general ID for firearm purchase (SB 62, sponsor Sen. Bell): The committee advanced a bill to prohibit using Department of Conservation and Natural Resources hunting and fishing licenses as a form of government-issued identification for firearm purchases. Sponsor said the license is a hunting/fishing privilege and should not be used to purchase firearms; members asked that the change be widely publicized.

- School resource officers at private schools (sponsor Sen. Elliott): The committee advanced permissive language allowing public entities to provide school resource officers to private schools if the private school pays the full cost (including benefits). The sponsor said the measure is permissive and requires full-cost reimbursement from private schools.

- Presentment of forged instruments (SB 66, sponsor Sen. Kelly): The committee advanced a bill establishing a crime for knowingly presenting forged instruments to state employees or officials with intent to defraud. The bill classifies that conduct as a Class D offense.

- Driver-license reciprocity (SB 55, sponsor Sen. Hatcher): The committee considered a measure addressing out-of-state credentials and whether some states issue driving privileges without verifying lawful presence. Members asked procedural questions about how a traversal stop would be handled if a credential indicates no verification of authorized presence; the committee asked the agency to clarify how such credentials are marked and advanced the bill.

- Library governance measure: The committee advanced a bill concerning library appointments and local authority; sponsor said the bill does not remove existing local authority but clarifies appointing authority.

Each of these bills was reported favorably by the committee and will move to the next stage. Several sponsors and members noted they will provide clarifying language, fiscal notes or public outreach as follow-up.","A series of bills covering warrants, IDs, school resource officers, forged instruments, driver-license reciprocity and library governance received favorable reports and will move forward from committee.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6351324,"Committee advances bill on local procedure for identifying immigration status amid court challenges",927,4087000,5014000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc&start=4087&end=5014","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc/thumbnail_4087000.jpg","/articles/6351324/Alabama/Committee-advances-bill-on-local-procedure-for-identifying-immigration-status-amid-court-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351324-3490df7548b7ac2d48216cbfda6c1034/orig.mp4?Expires=1775094879&Signature=jiTfydEafkquInfXChmeNy8Tz59-pEV4J0fpWJFMlnm5LG~U~TLKHTk5oh~HwMdC~QDPpqOOiGPQ-j0TtuVgDxAoxMYqDtFW3My1DmH46nDgdxIxIXHvmRjpLIR-wPW9GZE6STiy9j1OMccYMMQiXy8KPe456WCYjw-t5tELSFzqPaG8BOLBBixo5Y8Q8rDXh21oPuIBKvjshgRbPbZZbTgDORf-g-CWvjX75jOZpHl0maDObetoW4UNoT25NCEq-U2yEN8q6RBCR17--9A2VMiZhauPMosWqk8ibIyHx9keA5MoaUNtpgUy63aSvRpl703PoJxldkY5wSkaKHRX0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A committee advanced Senate Bill 53, a measure intended to clarify for local law enforcement when and how to determine an arrestee’s immigration status and to define related procedures, after a substantial public hearing that included constitutional and civil-rights objections.

Senator Kitchens, sponsor of SB 53, said the bill aims to help officers “provide clarification as to the legal process on what they're supposed to do to be able to determine the immigration status of an individual that they have arrested in their jails.”

Opponents cited past federal-court rulings and possible constitutional problems. Jerome Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center told the committee that similar efforts were struck down by federal courts as unconstitutional and warned specific provisions mirrored discredited language. Dees said provisions that could criminalize routine acts—such as transporting undocumented students across state lines—could have unintended consequences. He also cautioned that some language resembled sections of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act.

Community witnesses, including Amanda Cherry and Rabbi Scott Loper, argued the bill would encourage racial profiling and damage trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Cherry said the bill could lead to disproportionate detention of lawful permanent residents who inadvertently lack or cannot immediately produce documentation; she recounted a recent local incident involving a detained permanent resident whose documents were questioned.

Supporters and the sponsor said the bill does not intend to criminalize Good Samaritans or religious groups but would provide tools for law enforcement when dealing with custodial arrests. Senator Kitchens said some text creates a framework for verification when people are booked in jail facilities and that local jails already collect fingerprints and other identifying information in many cases.

After public testimony and debate, the committee voted to advance the bill. Members said they wanted to balance enforcement needs with civil-rights protections and asked for more clarity on specific provisions.","Senate Bill 53, which directs law enforcement on how to determine immigration status of people arrested in local jails, was advanced by the committee after a public hearing that included constitutional concerns and references to prior federal court rulings; opponents warned of profiling and historical parallels to fugitive-slave-era laws.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6351328,"Committee adopts substitute defining male/female terms; large public hearing draws strong testimony",299,3773000,4072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc&start=3773&end=4072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc/thumbnail_3773000.jpg","/articles/6351328/Alabama/Committee-adopts-substitute-defining-malefemale-terms-large-public-hearing-draws-strong-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351328-2a6bc6a010efc43c8009aec846bcfbc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775094879&Signature=ixXAy37B7Z2xzdLwDO3dv59dQUXgGms5i52GI45MN0FGaTom8y0YnAcrpnGWCNqct-ijEl1kvlRwdaMW4ArbLP-GfRt5al8j5reFlRS3lqMQMkT8q6KEJhCFo-zQLlF7bzo1689mzKGX~2lsNBLarFJEEd~I0yOs7O5p7-hqtSwixpFvzwAD1jHsSpYf8AWMzeOuHonryQyZN3R6cvUW~NPncmG0EdBrhF~oJW0JpZnKGFh7P5cgIflO5yQIlW9RWqpxzWFSrj9-RoJ4BzwzItAavuu6qUQmMRtOxX9wjqC4qkgyCC~o1Q~L2KyMOKMXWPZP271YvrVPmn8AuQEqFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 79, presented by Senator April Weaver as a statutory codification of sex-based definitions, was narrowed by substitute and adopted by the committee after a lengthy public hearing featuring dozens of speakers on both sides.

Weaver described the substitute as a narrow measure that “only has definitions” for terms including man, woman, male, female, boy, girl, mother and father. She characterized the bill as providing “very definite guidance to the state agencies and other entities.”

The committee heard broad public testimony. Proponents said the substitute merely clarifies statutory language and aids record-keeping and public-health statistics. Stephanie Smith of the Alabama Policy Institute told the committee the bill “simply codifies definitions” and “does not in any way try to deny anyone’s experience.” Becky Garretson of Eagle Forum said consistent definitions aid vital statistics such as cancer rates.

Opponents, including transgender residents and civil-rights and faith leaders, urged the committee to reject the measure or substantially narrow it. Trans speaker Catherine (Cassie) Bartle described threats and harassment she said she has faced when attempting to use men’s facilities during transition and said the bill would harm people like her. Mika Saunders and Jace Fitzwater, both identifying as transgender men, said the definitions would force some transgender men into women’s spaces and increase risk of harassment or violence. Reverend Julie Conradi and others argued the measure would be unwelcoming and asked lawmakers to treat immigrants and strangers with compassion.

Senator Hatcher voiced concerns about marginalizing already-marginalized people and urged careful consideration, noting faith-based objections and historical context. After debate, the committee voted (substitute motion by Senator Karnley, second by Senator Hovey) to adopt the substitute and then advanced the bill.

The committee record shows the substitute was adopted and the bill received a favorable report to move forward; the sponsor and opponents noted the bill’s scope was reduced but disagreement remained about its social consequences.","Senate Bill 79, which the sponsor described as a 'What is a Woman? Act' that would codify definitions for terms such as 'male' and 'female,' had a long public hearing with supporters and opponents and the committee adopted a narrowed substitute limited to definitions before advancing the measure.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6351333,"Committee advances bill to add transfer fees, create sheriff immigration-enforcement fund",518,1882000,2400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc&start=1882&end=2400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230390-e8c1b8bea66c2804fa8fa950ba660adc/thumbnail_1882000.jpg","/articles/6351333/Alabama/Committee-advances-bill-to-add-transfer-fees-create-sheriff-immigration-enforcement-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351333-62a8575a3d9cc639f6f3aa76d8db746a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775094879&Signature=oNJArgbpV7GdgIEG46EEbrXu67FXdtz6hVqKmQBJWU5yTpAELym5n3SioDBWvEAJK5Ita7DwicreOfZVBjsYuKnszCxrTWe476v7Ot0Ms73cEkF3ZdZ3KGor7Km789jbIcNvCh68iUfMsWm9lvB6dPOgPphPapmhJOXYtJu8wj4sLd2UtJxXJYjTABdvPgWRVCXiYxjen1iYCCHCKnuvUe4K7~5CIDpQF8RsPWu2eLzi9R1ZpZPoSpH1J~884n26i0~NA7x5tiQnK2QMZgPvUnF9FEi3t96IfS-Uq0BOED8MT4QheEontPvE3WPvLWY1MPZEy71foK~SrTzA~PFL9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Senate committee voted to advance legislation that would require money-transmission businesses to collect a fee on certain wire transfers and place the proceeds in a new fund intended to help sheriffs pay costs associated with immigration enforcement.

Senate Bill 77, introduced by Senator April Weaver, would impose a $7.50 fee on qualifying wire transfers and add 1.5% on amounts over $500. The bill would create the “Sheriff’s Immigration Enforcement and Detainer Fund,” allocate proceeds to counties on a population pro-rata basis, and allow filers of Alabama income tax to take a credit for fees paid.

Weaver said the bill arose from a trip to the border and seeks to address large volumes of untaxed cash being wired abroad. “People are working for cash that they don’t pay taxes on and then they’re wiring it to other countries,” Weaver said. She described the measure as one way to help sheriffs cover expenses related to enforcing immigration laws and housing immigration violators.

Committee members raised fiscal and fairness questions. Senator Albritton asked which sheriffs would receive funds; Weaver said the money would be divided among counties by population. Multiple senators asked for a fiscal note; Weaver said none was available in committee and that she would provide one. Members also debated whether the fee should apply only to international transfers or be applied uniformly to domestic transfers as well to avoid perceived targeting of remittances.

Senator Hatcher and others objected to applying a new fee to individuals who are legitimately earning and sending money home, arguing the policy could disproportionately affect immigrant workers. Weaver said taxpayers who pay state income tax could claim a credit for fees paid.

A motion to report the bill favorably passed in committee; the sponsor acknowledged outstanding fiscal questions to be addressed in subsequent drafting and debate.","Senate Bill 77 would charge a flat $7.50 fee plus 1.5% on transfers over $500 and direct proceeds to a new sheriff immigration-enforcement and detainer fund; sponsors said the charge targets untaxed cash wire transfers out of state, but members raised concerns about fairness, fiscal estimates and impacts on remittances from workers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances bill to ban flavored nitrous-oxide products for under-21s

Committee votes: warrants, IDs, school resource officers and library measures advanced

Committee advances bill on local procedure for identifying immigration status amid court challenges

Committee adopts substitute defining male/female terms; large public hearing draws strong testimony

Committee advances bill to add transfer fees, create sheriff immigration-enforcement fund