MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Legislature on Wednesday held committee meetings.
Neither chamber gaveled in, so a legislative day was not burned.
The Senate’s committee day was highlighted by Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development giving a unanimous favorable report to HB 521, which is sponsored by Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley). The bill would generally require health care facilities to allow at least one caregiver or visitor to each patient or resident.
The bill, in part, reads: “The Legislature finds that it is in the best interests of the residents of Alabama to continue to have access to their loved ones receiving acute care or residing in long-term care facilities during a public health emergency and that companionship with one’s loved ones during that time can provide support and peace of mind that positively impacts the healing process.”
An amendment by Sen. Garland Gudger (R-Cullman) tacked on during the committee meeting reads as follows: “The Legislature also finds that Representative Debbie Woods, whose mother, Peggy Hamby, succumbed to COVID-19, is forever remembered by the Alabama Legislature in the spirit of this bill. This bill represents Mrs. Hamby and the countless Alabamians who tragically lost relatives and loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The House committee slate got started with Health’s 9:00 a.m. public hearing on SB 46, Sen. Tim Melson’s (R-Florence) medical marijuana bill. After the public hearing, the committee substituted the bill and then tacked five additional amendments onto the bill. As expected, a vote on the bill was not held by the committee on Wednesday.
The House Committee on Boards, Agencies and Commissions gave a favorable report as substituted to HB 540 and HB 609 — two related bills, sponsored by Reps. Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa) and Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika) respectively, to foster innovation and advance a 21st century Alabama economy.
At 3:00 p.m., House State Government took up an agenda that included Rep. Mike Holmes’ (R-Wetumpka) HB 242. This bill would increase the penalty provisions and otherwise alter the Memorial Preservation Act. No vote was taken on the legislation.
Looking ahead
The legislature on Thursday will convene for the 23rd day of its 2021 regular session. The Senate will gavel in at 9:00 a.m., while the House gets in at 10:00 a.m.
Before that, an especially important committee meeting will occur when House Urban and Rural Development takes up SB 215, sponsored by Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston). This transformational bill is aimed at expanding high-speed, affordable broadband internet access to all Alabamians. The committee agenda at 9:00 a.m. also includes Sen. Chris Elliott’s (R-Daphne) SB 8, which would prevent homeowner’s associations from banning residents displaying from displaying the Alabama state flag.
At 9:30 a.m., House Health will meet and take a vote on SB 46, the medical marijuana bill. The committee agenda additionally includes Sen. Arthur Orr’s (R-Decatur) SB 267, which would ban the requirement or governmental issuance of vaccine passports in Alabama.
On the floor, the House will work off of a 19-bill special order calendar.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
