[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6631906,"mediaKeyId","2676251-7bcae53c8320dc00fe64544e5042a1c2","parentId",2676251,"title","Votes at a glance: Key bills the Alabama House passed Monday","audioSeconds",13757,"startMs",745000,"endMs",14502000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676251-7bcae53c8320dc00fe64544e5042a1c2&start=745&end=14502","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676251-7bcae53c8320dc00fe64544e5042a1c2/thumbnail_745000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6631906/Alabama/Votes-at-a-glance-Key-bills-the-Alabama-House-passed-Monday","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631906-2024d8f2186c2fb90c8cebc82d27f75d/orig.mp4?Expires=1772973145&Signature=eA5fEHQArWYeD1r8-hog7KiHWONbvmT51Msh3BvywKHS6Bm0rvqqEl4YlRkwhcGEWKRMQteXFZBT98GesT-oOBiHzKoQFxPRpclhaoo1vnbrpiZfxdf2PUrK-i6EUiGCoz7Dhl~XfC2XA1-9ltrsgZje-TmSHpOD-cagoVRFc2XSoqYzdw175Jg9rheWkVa80nVqq~9ZCm-psbGEXFfVH1UvzivzH3QKKzTTD3bDNAGQgIBuYxIYzD1G9TX~vAXVLM~92vnfuXTOsyNJJHt8LA2YvrJL8McF5c5ZcZQplIOoAtHgOHqCBQT-4L2eQdD1Nk796~uehOugDw7q8mC5AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alabama House Sessions","date","2025-03-18T22:54:13.87Z","article","The Alabama House adopted a number of bills and resolutions on Monday. Below is a concise roundup of items called and the recorded floor outcomes as shown in the House transcript. This list focuses on bills and final‑passage outcomes recorded on the floor; several measures listed earlier in the session also passed committee stages.

Selected final House actions recorded on the floor (vote tallies are verbatim from the House transcript):

- HB 299 (Choctaw County local bill): \"Clerk Lock Machine, record the votes. 10 I 0 nays. HB 299 has passed.\" (recorded in transcript)
- HB 300 (Choctaw County local bill): recorded passage following the BR adoption and final passage recorded similarly in the transcript.
- HB 325 (Lawrence County; substitute about forestry land and firefighter liability): Substitute and final passage recorded on the floor; sponsors explained the substitute exempted certain forestry land and addressed liability for firefighters.
- HB 343 (Jefferson County): Final passage recorded on the floor.
- HB 345 (Jefferson County): Final passage recorded on the floor.
- HB 351 (Choctaw County): Final passage recorded on the floor.
- HB 369 (Elmore County tag/registration bill; sponsor explained local sales‑tax/levelization): Final passage recorded on the floor.
- HB 371 (Elmore County; amendment removing vessels to avoid grant jeopardy): Amended on the floor and final passage recorded.
- HB 378 (Pickens County): Final passage recorded on the floor.
- SB 162 (Marshall County local bill — Senate bill on regular calendar): Final passage recorded on the floor.
- HJR 129 (House rules committee — special order calendar): Adopted.
- HB 320 (public works advertising; committee technical fixes and substitute): Passed as substituted and amended; sponsor described a compromise to prevent relitigation when a newspaper ad fails to meet requirements if other statutory notice steps were taken.
- HB 319 (Dolly Parton Imagination Library codification / early childhood): Passed; sponsor said it codifies current executive‑order participation and requires an annual report on local participation.
- HB 322 (postpartum depression education): Passed as substituted; committee changes removed Medicaid‑related language after the department made the change by administrative action.
- HB 307 (speedy trial / judge assignment to clear backlogs): Passed as amended; bill allows assignment of retired or out‑of‑circuit judges to clear criminal backlogs and permits presiding circuit judges to shift judges within a circuit.
- HB 264 (vessel registration change to protect reservoir grants): Passed as amended; sponsor said change protects federal matching grants.
- HB 356 (terrorist threat/false threat penalties and restitution): Passed; sponsor said the bill broadens consequences and allows recovery of public costs associated with threat responses.
- HB 333 (municipal indoor police firing‑range authority): Passed as substituted; sponsor said substitute removed mandatory local tax remissions and required local action to change local taxes.
- HB 207 (Office of Information Technology updates; cybersecurity and QA board): Passed as amended; committee and floor amendments clarified exclusions (municipal utilities) and added background‑check authority under specified conditions.
- HB 338 (clarification of locksmith licensing and key duplication exemption): Passed; sponsor said the text clarifies that businesses whose activity is strictly duplicating keys are not required to obtain locksmith licensure.

Notes:
- Many local bills (counties/municipalities) were handled on the regular calendar with brief explanations; the transcript records adoption of bills and committee substitutes with recorded tallies.
- Where the transcript contained an explicit floor tally it is reflected here exactly as recorded in the House log; for local bills sponsors spoke briefly about local effects and committee committee substitutions.

If you need a line‑by‑line breakdown of every bill called on the calendar (including exact recorded tallies and committee‑substitute text), I can provide a table linking each bill to the transcript line where the clerk recorded the vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Alabama House","oneSentenceSummary","A compact roundup of bills approved on the House floor, including local and policy measures passed with little debate, and their recorded floor tallies.","taxTitle","House, Alabama Legislative Sessions, Alabama","taxId",62182,"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},6631911,"House narrows bill requiring juvenile courts to notify school officials of violent‑crime charges after heated debate",2580,11000000,13580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676251-7bcae53c8320dc00fe64544e5042a1c2&start=11000&end=13580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676251-7bcae53c8320dc00fe64544e5042a1c2/thumbnail_11000000.jpg","/articles/6631911/Alabama/House-narrows-bill-requiring-juvenile-courts-to-notify-school-officials-of-violentcrime-charges-after-heated-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631911-4f40a7f67c3cfe420b24336b86b0998f/orig.mp4?Expires=1772973145&Signature=nExYoVR6CE4DQrpFVD4KTOPHSy1plcyTg4Cp6zUZxrMK3P2sSV30F66wK2-leXZmHlsM8FfvwtL8cr6bzhT~l7HrorwKQN4PRn-68AWZYmdtdnSH8g3qrWirXGoiLxONO7tTXa2xoOehDjsMWrJF-g0ITdG0inQz-iBD73o1--rVW7Fxs0orORUFKbHmQtDvLJFEhPzlmNHFKpLRMKaPlrGpY5S9rJoEHmc5XFhFgc0KpIrpEMFez9w~h0TYCSfldcXct9VfXnN4BUQ6URoIrVj3dXDDUYCH65G6uUo3Me~Pdcjs6mMvnJJhBFIbq-Vdu6YS-oqqopWNP-vQDn7kUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alabama House approved a measure that requires juvenile courts to notify school officials when a juvenile has been charged with certain violent crimes.

Representative Baker, sponsor of House Bill 232, told the House that the measure was revised in committee to focus only on \"violent crimes\" rather than a broader set of offenses. The committee substitute lists a narrow set of offenses — including capital crimes and first‑degree felonies — for which the juvenile court would notify the superintendent or the head of a private school.

Debate was robust and at times emotional. Representative Bracey urged caution, saying the bill would notify schools prior to conviction and could stigmatize juveniles who have not been found guilty: \"pre‑conviction, we're gonna go out and we're gonna let everybody know that this person has been arrested and charged with a crime, but they have not been convicted.\" He said announcing charges to school officials risks treating children \"as if they are criminal[s] as if they've already been convicted.\"

Supporters argued the limited notification is intended to give school leaders information they need to protect students and staff and to coordinate appropriate services. Representative Baker said the substitute narrows the categories to violent crimes and that the change was intended to balance confidentiality with safety.

Vote and next steps:
- House Bill 232 (juvenile court notification for violent crimes): Passed as substituted (final vote recorded 70 ayes, 8 nays). Sponsor: Representative Baker.

Key floor actions and clarifications:
- The enacted substitute restricts notification to violent offenses (examples discussed on the floor included first‑degree offenses and capital offenses); the language requires notification to top officials (superintendents or private school heads), not blanket schoolwide disclosure.
- Several members asked staff and sponsors for clarity on the statute’s scope and on existing juvenile confidentiality rules; sponsors said the measure is limited and does not direct school disciplinary outcomes.

What lawmakers said:
- Critics warned the bill risks harming juveniles who are never convicted and said it could create stigma; they asked for careful limits and safeguards.
- Supporters said the policy is narrowly tailored by the committee substitute to violent crimes and will help school leaders respond appropriately when student safety may be an issue.

The bill will proceed to the Senate. Floor debate indicates staff will need to work with juvenile‑court and education officials on guidance that clarifies what information is shared, to whom, and under what circumstances.","Lawmakers approved a measure that directs juvenile courts to notify top school officials when a juvenile is charged with certain violent crimes; critics raised due‑process and stigma concerns and the House modified the bill to limit notifications to violent offenses.",{"_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},6631916,"House approves post‑election audit bill after tense debate over scope and cost",2735,6075000,8810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676251-7bcae53c8320dc00fe64544e5042a1c2&start=6075&end=8810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676251-7bcae53c8320dc00fe64544e5042a1c2/thumbnail_6075000.jpg","/articles/6631916/Alabama/House-approves-postelection-audit-bill-after-tense-debate-over-scope-and-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631916-94d3e563500397b30c5f15317791fd9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1772973145&Signature=GhxX1fuCF~MxTw96VDfj~CLCfIoimwGXY7BRIbzOsTx0c2VZUVm~wZL8tHNcKA4OQAebLJsgTgh5vfz6skCkDCAV-P3-aOd4TU4j7YT3HdoTw-BCrt92Y91q5K3wZXO1ggJjUZ5APpw-QU7~1hsuYdrNyT1hSB~wcNZ0~CHmYW05wMyH~1DrZf~65r-wLHglsknBVMzqxCuwF0tit2KbQ4F9fq5L~XecwJAiffUt5bng64iyTCLX3wDpAlVxck1Xq3p~wmhVQAlJssSW43d0vSQhAW1sp8T6~6ILCFsnP42qxDJ3awS1ThWExBKmDMs9KByBAIWfG9IpsrnrF2Qm6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alabama House passed House Bill 30, a post‑election audit measure that requires probate judges in each county to conduct a post‑election audit after every county and statewide general election.

Representative Wood, sponsor of the bill, said the measure is not a recount but a technical check to \"ensure that the DS 200 tabulators that process the paper ballots are working properly\" and to \"increase transparency and demonstrate that elections are fair and accurate.\" Wood noted that the machine manufacturer recommends audits.

The bill requires a random selection process: in each county, one precinct and one race in that precinct will be audited after the general election. The floor debate exposed sharp disagreement about whether the sampling plan would be sufficient to detect rare malfeasance. Representative Gavan asked why the audit does not examine all precincts or races in a county; Wood said the pilot is designed to be random and practical.

Critics said the statistical odds of finding isolated wrongdoing with a single precinct and a single race are low. Representative Fincher and others argued the audit could easily miss problems because counties have numerous precincts and many races on a ballot, and they questioned the utility of auditing a single small precinct. Representative Moore and other members worried about recurring costs and whether automatic post‑election audits are necessary when the state already has recount provisions for close contests.

Proponents pointed to a 2022 pilot audit that had identified at least one discrepancy and said even a small audit could catch errors that undermine public confidence. Representative Wood said counties will be reimbursed by the state for audit costs and that the bill includes various procedural safeguards, including randomization and the presence of local officials during audits. The substitute and amendments added provisions for oversight, counting procedures and limited manual counts (30 ballots must be manually counted while other ballots may be recounted via tabulator under controlled conditions).

Vote and implementation:
- House Bill 30 (post‑election audits): Passed (final vote recorded 63 ayes, 30 nays, 7 abstentions). Sponsor: Representative Wood.
- The bill requires one randomly selected precinct and one race per county to be audited after each county and statewide general election; certain counties' officials (probate judge, circuit clerk, sheriff) are to participate in the process and audits are to be reimbursed by the state. The floor discussion referenced an estimated statewide cost of approximately $35,000 (state estimate for the program), to be paid centrally, with counties reimbursed for expenses.

What supporters and critics said:
- Supporters argued audits increase transparency and shore up confidence in tabulation equipment. Representative Baker and others said the audits are practical checks recommended by manufacturers.
- Opponents said the sampling design is unlikely to detect rare wrongdoing, questioned whether routine audits were an efficient use of funds, and noted recount procedures already exist for narrow margins. Several members urged targeted or conditional audits instead of blanket post‑election audits.

Next steps: The bill passed the House and will head to the Senate. Implementation details — including the published randomization method, exact reimbursement process and the manual‑count procedure — will be set out in the statute and implementing guidance.","The Alabama House passed a post‑election audit measure requiring one randomly selected precinct and one race per county be audited after general elections; opponents said the audit's sampling will likely miss rare problems and voiced cost concerns.",{"_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},6631921,"Alabama House advances package of grocery and income tax cuts, lawmakers debate cost and timing",1160,3048000,4208000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676251-7bcae53c8320dc00fe64544e5042a1c2&start=3048&end=4208","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676251-7bcae53c8320dc00fe64544e5042a1c2/thumbnail_3048000.jpg","/articles/6631921/Alabama/Alabama-House-advances-package-of-grocery-and-income-tax-cuts-lawmakers-debate-cost-and-timing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631921-2de30df989f661a5fb01861a8a79bdbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1772973145&Signature=LIfV4iug38aiusOFszFcnT4JFHzSj5vW0~3z7g02lI~h7dNXCuXiGp0AIZYRp6wOCdDZtNZmUK1uEJf1OmAugPiaPTM~HbdauSY8IxnapNgCixkBWW2BZtWvGl~xa3XYznycjkAYRTwmWZL1AfQl-3ak-tVKtnpOh6ONyv8sauIndoJVlwCYklM2-3SSKZrt-elWuNsOBo9vHVkHIvLEAGBhk1CphUY5fig3HJBsI2lSGQbgV0m8ZP51KHioIOcI3rCjuNsYORmWo2wSEBWEwTKTBSVccm8GjkY-rCTsgHlf~P3Ng2gXKgE5wj84g~75NUJFkz6383g99ycyWN4z8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alabama House of Representatives approved a package of tax bills aimed at reducing the state sales tax on groceries and expanding income‑tax exemptions for retirees and working families.

Representative Jeremy Garrett, sponsor of the grocery tax bill, told colleagues the measure would \"accelerate that additional 25% reduction in the grocery tax to September first of this year,\" calling it a step to \"reduce taxes on just about everyone in the state of Alabama.\" Garrett and supporters said the package, taken together with earlier action, will deliver several hundred million dollars in relief to Alabama households.

Supporters framed the bills as targeted relief as food prices rise. Representative Richmond Hall (R‑Madison) thanked the sponsor and said the reduction “will help our citizens balance their budgets” and should not be judged by which member files the bill. Representative Pro Tem David Pringle and others also praised the relief for working families.

Opponents and skeptical lawmakers pressed for specifics on fiscal impact and timing. Representative Richmond Hall asked whether the state could do a larger cut immediately rather than incremental reductions; Garrett said the package is intended to be sustainable and pointed to revenue projections and reserves. Representative Jennifer Jackson asked how taxpayers would see the reduction on receipts; Garrett said the state sales‑tax component on groceries would be lower at the time of purchase.

Key votes and timing:
- House Bill 386 (sales and use tax — grocery tax reduction acceleration): Passed on final passage (recorded 103 ayes, 0 nays). Sponsor: Representative Jeremy Garrett.
- House Bill 387 (removes guardrail limiting local governments’ ability to reduce local grocery tax): Passed (recorded 102 ayes, 0 nays). Sponsor: Representative Jeremy Garrett.
- House Bill 388 (doubles retirement distribution exemption, “Lynn Greer Act,” effective tax year 2026): Passed on final passage (recorded 103 ayes, 0 nays). Sponsor: Representative Jeremy Garrett.
- House Bill 389 (income‑tax changes targeted at families making $60,000 or less; changes to dependent exemptions and standard deduction floors/caps; effective tax year 2026): Passed on final passage (recorded 102 ayes, 0 nays). Sponsor: Representative Jeremy Garrett.

Fiscal concerns: During debate Representative Hall cited the bill sponsor’s fiscal estimate, asking whether the $123 million (as presented during debate) and related numbers had been fully reconciled with education trust fund impacts. Representative Jackson also noted that the package, combined with prior actions, represents roughly $250 million in tax cuts for Alabamians and asked how funding losses would be replaced. Garrett said the administration and fiscal staff believe the cuts are sustainable and cited reserves and projected revenue growth.

What passed and what it means: The grocery tax change moves forward a planned reduction and grants local governments more latitude to cut local grocery taxes. The income‑tax bills widen existing exemptions and standard deduction thresholds so that more taxpayers — particularly those earning $60,000 or less and retirees drawing from defined‑contribution plans — will see lower state tax liabilities beginning with tax years specified in the bills.

The package drew broad bipartisan cosponsorship: after final passage, sponsors opened several bills for cosponsors and recorded large counts on the floor.

Looking ahead: The bills will proceed to the Senate for consideration. Supporters said they wanted to provide relief as soon as possible; opponents urged caution about long‑term effects on the Education Trust Fund and asked for periodic review of revenue projections.

Ending: The measures were among the most prominent votes in a lengthy House session that also considered bills on elections, juvenile notification, and public‑safety matters.","The Alabama House on Monday approved a package of bills that accelerate a grocery sales‑tax cut and expand several state income‑tax exemptions and deductions, with sponsors saying the measures provide immediate relief and critics warning of pressure on education trust funds and future budgets.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Key bills the Alabama House passed Monday

House narrows bill requiring juvenile courts to notify school officials of violent‑crime charges after heated debate

House approves post‑election audit bill after tense debate over scope and cost

Alabama House advances package of grocery and income tax cuts, lawmakers debate cost and timing