A proposal passed Thursday by the Alabama Senate seeks to save taxpayer resources by allowing government bodies to meet remotely by means of telephone or video conference.

Senate Bill 58, sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, aligns Alabama with 38 other states and the District of Columbia in providing for some form of remote participation in government meetings. Under current law, Alabama is one of two states nationally that has statutory language expressly prohibiting meetings conducted through electronic communications.

According to a cost-savings estimate from Alabama’s Legislative Fiscal Office, the proposal could save the state up to $2.1 million.

Orr said the proposal is an example of lawmakers’ commitment to looking in every corner of state government to identify cost-savings opportunities.

“Our commitment to voters is that we will leave no stone unturned when looking for ways to cut state spending,” Orr said. “That’s what the people of Alabama elected us to do and they deserve no less. My colleagues and I are fully dedicated to delivering on the promise to restoring fiscal accountability and responsible spending to state government.”

Senate Bill 58 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims