Legislature faces crunch time end

With only a few days left in the Alabama Legislature’s Regular Session, all interests will be lobbying for legislators’ attention.

“I think the last few days will be hectic, particularly with the two budgets yet to be finalized… and the concerns about education’s proration,” said Dan Ireland, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP).

But before the gavel drops to conclude the session May 21, Ireland plans to celebrate passage of at least one of the bills he fought for this year.

A clean air bill, which passed out of the Senate 28-0, seems to be on its way through the House of Representatives, Ireland said.

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Hill, R-Columbiana, “the bill will prohibit smoking in a lot of enclosed areas and public buildings,” Ireland said. “It will give employees more leverage to protect their own health with a smoke-free environment without undue expense to the owner.”

Hill, a member of First Baptist Church, Columbiana, noted that obtaining a spot on the House calendar at this late date is the greatest challenge to the bill. “But I do think we will have one shot at it and I think it will pass,” he said. “It seems to be a compromise bill this year. We haven’t had the opposition as we have had in the past.”

Ireland, who said all controversial gambling bills are likely dead, plans to keep his eyes on two liquor bills,
One would call for a vote of the people in Tuscaloosa about Sunday liquor sales. The other would allow distilled spirits, a liquor-type alcohol, to be sold in grocery stores.

“This is a dangerous beginning,” he said.