Latest news with #SB181
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Animal advocates want proposed Oregon bill amended to close OHSU primate center
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Animal advocates have taken a public hearing on a proposed bill as an opportunity to urge lawmakers to shut down the Oregon National Primate Research Center. The House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans held the hearing on on Tuesday. Although the measure would ban research facilities from using public funds to cover 'medically unnecessary' testing on dogs and cats, several people provided testimony on why the proposal should also call for the closure of Oregon Health & Science University's monkey research lab. Downtown Vancouver street parking could no longer be free on weekends. Here's why The facility first opened after accepting its first group of rhesus macaques in the 1960s. Since then, OHSU has reported that the primates help boost patient care by teaching researchers more about vaccines and cures for diseases like Parkinson's, measles and mumps. But in recent years, activists with groups like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and have accused the university of abusing the monkeys by keeping them confined in tight areas and neglecting to treat them when they're sick. 'One of the facts that's irrefutable about the primate center is that it has violated the federal Animal Welfare Act repeatedly year after year,' Lake Oswego resident Amy Meyer, who testified on behalf of PETA, said at SB 181's hearing. 'They cannot get it right and every violation cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture means horrific suffering and often a terrible death has happened to the monkeys caged there.' Amid the renewed push to close the primate center, its ability to care for the animals and the importance of the research. In a statement issued last month, the university emphasized that its work is heavily regulated by federal officials and there are veterinary specialists that address the monkeys' medical and dental needs. The institution has also asserted it only uses animals for research that doesn't offer an alternative option. OHA: 'Alarming' rise in syphilis during pregnancy contribute to infant health issues 'We are working toward the goal of ultimately eliminating the need for animals, and specifically nonhuman primates, to conduct research,' OHSU said. 'Despite great advances in new approach methodology, the technology to eliminate animal research isn't there yet.' Following Tuesday's hearing, the House committee has scheduled another work session for SB 181. It is slated for Tuesday, May 20. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Nearly 150 bills signed into Maryland law, with some focusing on criminal justice reform
Maryland Gov. Moore signed nearly 150 bills into law Tuesday, including several that focus on criminal justice reform and improving public safety. The latest round of new state laws comes after the governor signed 94 bills after the end of the 2025 legislative session in early April. While the bills have been signed by the governor, many do not go into effect until later in the summer or fall of 2025. New bills on criminal justice reform, public safety Several of the bills signed into law this week focus on criminal justice and prison reform. The Second Look Act gives convicted criminals a chance to request a shorter prison sentence if the crime occurred while they were between 18 and 25 years old. The bill allows incarcerated individuals to request that their sentence be reduced if they meet certain criteria, like having served at least 20 years of their sentence. Gov. Moore also signed SB181, which requires the Maryland Parole Commission to consider the age of an incarcerated person when deciding if they should be granted parole. Another bill, HB775, requires the Commissioner of Corrections to notify certain representatives when an incarcerated person dies in a correctional facility. It also requires the Department of Public Safety and Correction Services to comply with certain federal regulations. The Organized Retail Theft Act of 2025 was also signed into law this week. The bill cracks down on people who commit thefts in multiple counties in an effort to stay below Maryland's $1,500 theft threshold. 142 bills signed into law Of the 142 bills that Gov. Moore signed Tuesday, some also focus on the rising use of Artificial Intelligence, like HB956, which creates a workgroup to monitor and make recommendations about the regulation of AI. Another bill, SB305, focuses on the rise of cryptocurrency. The bill establishes requirements for virtual currency kiosk operators and allows the Commissioner of Financial Regulation to investigate and enforce those requirements. Here are some of the other bills that were signed into law this week: Buddy's Law increases the amount of compensation from $10,000 to $25,000 for the owner of a pet that was injured or killed by another person or pet. The Maryland Secondary Market Stability Act establishes a workgroup to study and make recommendations about licensing requirements for those who provide financial services. SB186 establishes the Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program to slow the spread of the blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. SB550 authorizes Baltimore City leaders to impose a property tax on vacant and abandoned properties owned by certain organizations that would otherwise be exempt.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What passed in the Alabama Legislature: April 8-10, 2025
NFL Cornerback James Bradberry embraces Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 10, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Bradberry, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, was honored by the House Thursday. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Here is a list of bills that passed in the Alabama Legislature this week. House HB 462, sponsored by Rep. Tashina Morris, D-Montgomery, requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to credit military-acquired education and training toward emergency medical services personnel licensure. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 396, sponsored by Rep. Kenneth Paschal, R-Pelham, requires local tax officials to exempt disabled veterans from property taxes on their homes. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 91, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, requires individuals to obtain local government approval before constructing tall structures within two miles of military installations, empowering local authorities to halt construction that could adversely affect military operations. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SB 179, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, revises the ranks of officers authorized to impose certain disciplinary measures and to expand the types of punishments that may be administered without a court-martial. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 181, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, adopts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists to practice across member states. The bill passed 103-0 with a House committee substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. HB 459, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, removes a requirement for some members of the Board of Trustees of the University of South Alabama to live in particular Alabama Senate districts and updates notice requirements for board meetings. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, allows full-time employees at public schools who are injured on the job to use accrued sick leave for recovery. The bill passed 102-0 with a House committee substitute. It goes to the Senate for concurrence or conference committee. SB 102, sponsored by Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, gives pregnant women presumptive eligibility for Medicaid. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 46, sponsored by Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay, authorizes Class 2 municipalities to enforce the Alabama Scrap Tire Environmental Quality Act through agreements with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 263, sponsored by Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, revises the distribution of 911 service revenues by allocating funds to support a statewide 911 voice and data system; providing training for public safety telecommunicators; offering advisory services and granting financial assistance to districts. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 86, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, establishes the Rural Hospital Investment Program, offering tax credits to individuals and entities that donate to qualifying rural hospitals. The bill passed 103-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 461, sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa, allows the Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority to use funds for fundraising activities, including soliciting donations to secure additional funding. The bill passed 99-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 403, sponsored by Rep. Russell Bedsole, R-Alabaster, establishes the Alabama Criminal Enterprise Database, managed by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, to collect and maintain information on individuals identified as members of criminal enterprises or gangs. The bill passed 77-21. It now goes to the Senate. HB 61, sponsored by Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, allows homeschooled students to participate in public school career and technical education programs starting in the 2026-27 school year. The bill passed 99-1. It goes to the Senate. HB 407, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews, authorizes local redevelopment authorities to accept transient occupancy taxes as payments in lieu of taxes. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 323, sponsored by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley, exempts electric utility commodities and equipment from the requirement of obtaining oversize vehicle load permits for movement on the state's highway system. The bill passed 87-4. It goes to the Senate. HB 144, sponsored by Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, clarifies that individuals who store, fuel, repair, or maintain aircraft have a statutory lien on those aircraft for amounts due. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 392, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Greenhill, provides an annual supplemental compensation of $24,000 to the Chief Assistant District Attorney and three Assistant District Attorneys in Lauderdale County. The bill passed 20-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 399, sponsored by Rep Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, revises the process by which Lamar County disposes of personal property and removes criminal penalties for violations while maintaining civil remedies for taxpayers or unsuccessful bidders. The bill passed 17-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 428, sponsored by Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, proposes to transfer the responsibilities for selling or redeeming lands for taxes in Houston County from the probate judge to the revenue commissioner. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 432, sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, establishes service of process fees in Talladega County, specifying charges of $50 for general out-of-state court services and $100 for services involving inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Talladega. The bill passed 14-1. It goes to the Senate. HB 433, sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, revises the distribution of Talladega County's special sales and use tax revenues, allocating funds to various sectors. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 434, sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, revises the compensation structure for the Sheriff of Talladega County by adding an annual expense allowance of $15,000 starting June 1 and a base annual salary of $112,000 starting in 2027. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 463, sponsored by Rep. Van Smith, R-Clanton, authorizes the Board of Commissioners of Chilton County 911 to establish procedures for the director to make purchases using a credit or debit card. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 468, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, establishes the Marion County Service of Process Fund, requiring the collection of a $50 service fee per case for personal service of process by the sheriff in both criminal and civil divisions. The bill passed 6-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 488, sponsored by Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley, alters and extends the boundary lines and corporate limits of the Town of Cusseta in Chambers County by incorporating additional parcels of land. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 499, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, authorizes the Sheriff of Lawrence County to establish procedures for using credit and debit cards for official purchases. The bill passed 9-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 500, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, revises the compensation structure for the Lawrence County Sheriff by adding an annual expense allowance of $95,000 effective Oct. 1 and setting a $95,000 salary for the sheriff effective in January. The bill passed 8-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 502, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, authorizes the Sheriff of Escambia County to establish procedures for using credit or debit cards for official purchases. The bill passed 11-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 65, sponsored by Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, modifies the corporate boundaries of the Town of Paint Rock in Jackson County by incorporating two specific tracts along U.S. Highway 72. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 219, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, grants the Clay County sheriff the authority to manage abandoned, stolen, or unclaimed property and firearms. The bill passed 11-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 220, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, authorizes the Sheriff of Clay County to conduct fundraising events and use the proceeds for any lawful purpose related to the operation of the sheriff's office. The bill passed 6-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 235, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, transfers the fiduciary responsibilities of the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority to the City of Rainbow City. The bill passed 8-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 239, sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise, authorizes municipalities within Coffee County to contract with the Sheriff of Coffee County for police services, including enforcement of municipal ordinances. The bill passed 14-0. It now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 240, sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise, requires any individual elected or appointed as the Judge of Probate of Coffee County after June 1 must be an attorney licensed to practice law in Alabama. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 261, sponsored by Sen. April Weaver, R-Alabaster, revises the salary structure for the Probate Judge of Bibb County, provided the judge is licensed to practice law in Alabama. The bill passed 8-0. It now goes to the Gov. Senate SB 61 , sponsored by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, allows the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology to enter into the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, allowing school psychologists to have equivalent licenses in member states. The Senate concurred with House changes 31-0, sending the bill to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 90, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greenboro, would update obligations and compensation of the Greene County Racing Commission and change the appointing authority from the governor to the legislative delegation. The bill passed 14-1. It goes to the House. SB 101, sponsored by Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscambia, would raise the age at which a minor may give legal consent to medical, dental, and mental health services from age 14 to 16. The bill passed 30-2. It goes to the House. SB 211, sponsored by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, would require the local superintendent of education or a designee to report and pursue legal action relating to alleged school bus crimes and violations. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. SB 87, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would authorize licensed midwives to administer the heel stick portion of newborn screenings. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. SB 190, sponsored by Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, would require health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screening for high-risk men free of out-of-pocket costs. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to the House. SB 259, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, would increase the number of members on the Board of Trustees of the University of South Alabama. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. HB 168, sponsored by Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, allows the governing body of a local emergency management organization to enter into a mutual agreement with other organizations to receive aid, removing the decision from the director of the local emergency management organization. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 174, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, would require counties and municipalities to file certain annual reports with the Department of Revenue on business license taxes and business privilege taxes collected from businesses. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to the House. HB 27, sponsored by Rep. Kerry 'Bubba' Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, prohibits people who are on the sex offender registry from getting employed or volunteering as a first responder. The bill passed 33-0 and goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 250, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, requires public office candidates to submit a statement of economic interests within five days of the qualifying deadline, instead of within five days of filing for candidacy. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to back to the House for concurrence or a conference committee. HB 191, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, sets conditions for how local governments can enact local sales and use tax exemptions. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to back to the House for concurrence or a conference committee. SB 43, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, would prohibit health insurance companies from regulating what health care providers and pharmacists may tell patients about the cost of treatment or medication, or from informing individuals about cheaper, alternative treatments or medications. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to the House. HB 200, sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa, makes technical changes to the Business and Nonprofit Entities Code and codifies electronic filing practices. The bill passed 33-0. It goes back to the House for concurrence or a conference committee. HB 109, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, extends the termination date for the State Board of Podiatry to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 108, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey.. HB 113, sponsored by Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, extends the termination date for the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 115, sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, continues the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors through October 1, 2026. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 117, sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy to Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 252, sponsored by Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, would create new regulations and restrictions on reimbursements and fees pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) charge to pharmacies. The Senate concurred 33-0 with House changes. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey.. House HB 372, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews, authorizes Elmore County officials to levy a rental tax, effective Sept. 1. The bill passed 20-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 393, sponsored by Rep. Russell Bedole, R-Alabaster, authorizes the city council of Alabaster to establish two entertainment districts, each not exceeding a half-mile square. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 446, sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, adjusts the boundaries of the City of Daphne in Baldwin County by incorporating several specified parcels of land. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 464, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Dadeville, adjusts the compensation of the St. Clair County coroner including a base salary increase and additional expense allowances. The bill passed 11-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 485, sponsored by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxely, adjusts the corporate boundaries of the city of Loxley in Baldwin County by annexing approximately 101.12 acres known as the Bertolla Property Legislative Annexation Area 1. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 495, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, restructures the board of directors of the Marion County Public Water Authority. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 497, sponsored by Rep. Russell Bedsole, R-Alabaster, authorizes the city of Alabaster to address plant-related public nuisances on private properties. The bill passed 15-0. It now goes to the Senate. HB 511, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Brinyark, R-Windham Springs, consolidates Fayette County's tax assessor and tax collector offices into a single Revenue Commissioner position. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 512, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Brinyark, R-Windham Springs, increases the base salary of the Fayette County sheriff vase salary to $80,000 starting in 2027. The bill passed 12-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 496, sponsored by Stubbs, R-Wetumpka, grants Elmore County the authority to levy a 4.5% excise tax on wholesale vapor products in the county. The measure, a constitutional amendment, passed 64-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 83, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, requires new public buildings to include powered, height-adjustable changing tables that are fit for children and adults. The bill passed 93-2. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 380, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Rigsby, R-Huntsville, makes human cloning as a Class C felony. The bill passed 71-4. It goes to the Senate. HB 355, sponsored by Rep. Russell Bedsole, R-Alabaster, extends the time frame for filing claims with the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission from one year to two years following the injury or death. The bill passed 99-0. It goes to the Senate. Senate SB 181, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, would allow licensed respiratory therapists to practice among compact states. The Senate concurred with House changes 25-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 299, sponsored by Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, adds a $50 court fee for civil and criminal cases in Choctaw County circuit or district courts and a $25 fee for civil cases in small courts. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 300, sponsored by Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, allows the Choctaw County probate judge to collect a $10 fee for each document subject to deed and mortgage taxes. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 301, sponsored by Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, abolishes constables in Choctaw County. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 455, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, authorizes the Clarke County Commission to cover operational expenses for the coroner's office, including vehicle mileage or providing a county vehicle. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 457, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, increases the Clarke County sheriff's compensation by providing a $32,500 annual expense allowance, which later converts into a permanent salary increase at the start of the sheriff's term. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 458, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, provides Clarke County commissioners an $8,000 annual expense allowance, which will convert to a permanent $8,000 salary increase starting with the commissioners' next term. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 413, sponsored by Rep. Chad Robertson, R-Heflin, sets the salary for the sheriff and revenue commissioner of Cleburne County at $72,000, effective January 2027, and enrolls them in cost-of-living increases effective October 2028. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 325, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, allows the Lawrence County commission to form and fund fire districts. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 429, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, would extend a special county privilege license tax in Monroe County to be deposited in the county general fund. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 430, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, requires candidates for sheriff of Monroe County to be U.S. citizens and county residents over the age of 25 with at least three years of experience in law enforcement. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 431, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, increases the Monroe County sheriff's salary by $15,000 starting in 2027 and transitions current expense allowances into permanent compensation. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 92, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chasteen, R-Geneva, would prohibit the use and possession of wireless communication devices on certain public school properties and require local school boards to adopt an Internet safety policy. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 35, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, would make threats to release someone's private, explicit photos or videos to force them to do something against their will a Class B felony, punishable up to 20 years in prison. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 119, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, would prohibit possession of a firearm by a person who has been charged with committing a crime of violence, a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence, or a violent offense and who thereafter was released pending or during trial. The bill passed 26-1. It goes to the House. SB 34, sponsored by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, would require public schools to provide classes on violence prevention, conflict resolution and mediation before high school graduation. The bill passed 25-2. It goes to the House. SB 196, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would establish a program allowing eligible 11th and 12th-grade students to enroll full-time at an eligible public institution of higher education and receive high school credit for the coursework. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. HB 116, sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, continues the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board through October 1, 2027. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 119, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, extends the termination date for the Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters and Transliterators to Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 120, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, extends the termination date for the State Board of Genetic Counseling to Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 121, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board for Register Interior Designers until Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 126, sponsored by Rep. Margie Wilcox, R-Mobile, extends the termination date for the State Board of Midwifery to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. House HB 440, sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollingers Island, authorizes Mobile County to levy fire service fees to maintain fire fighting districts. The bill passed 24-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 522, sponsored by Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, authorizes the Washington County Sheriff's Office to auction off abandoned, stolen, confiscated, lost and unclaimed property or firearms. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 531, sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville, authorizes the Conecuh County Commission to impose an additional motor vehicle license and registration fee of $12. The bill passed 16-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 532, sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville, authorizes the Conecuh County Commission to appoint a chair for the remainder of the term and provide an additional expense allowance for the position. The bill passed 17-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 534, sponsored by Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, authorizes the Blount County Commission to increase the lodging tax by $3. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 539, sponsored by Rep. Bob Fincher, R-Woodland, authorizes the Randolph County Probate Judge to impose a $50 fee to record and copy maps of land plots. The bill passed 15-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 540, sponsored by Rep. Bob Fincher, R-Woodland, authorizes Randolph County to distribute the tobacco tax to the volunteer fire department, for tourism, the agricultural center and to other county funds. The bill passed 14-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 544, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, authorizes Escambia County to appoint a medical examiner. The bill passed 13-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 545, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, authorizes the Escambia County Probate Judge to impose several fees, including a $105 fee for probating a will; a $105 fee for administration; administration; a $65 fee for name changes; a $65 fee for legitimation; a $145 fee for guardianship, a $145 fee for conservatorship, a $125 fee for adoption, a $5 fee for claims against wills and estates, and a $15 and $5 fee per page for a will. The bill passed 15-0. It goes to the Senate. SB 221, sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, authorizes Mobile County to pay the Mobile County Probate Judge a $49,000 expense allowance, effective June 1, and raise the judge's base salary by $49,000 in 2031, at which point the expense allowance will be repealed. The bill passed 21-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 224, sponsored by Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay, authorizes the Mobile County Sheriff's Office to electronically monitor pretrial defendants and establish fees to fund the program. The bill passed 20-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 486, sponsored by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley, proposes a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would renew a $2 per mill property tax in Baldwin County for public hospitals. The bill passed 46-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 508, sponsored by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley, authorizes Baldwin County to create the Belforest Landmark District and prohibits others from annexing property in the district. The bill passed 41-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 477, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, authorizes the Alabama Farmers Federation to establish a health plan to provide for its members. The bill passed 98-1. The bill goes to the Senate. HB 445, sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, authorizes the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to regulate the consumable hemp market; prohibits individuals younger than 21 years old from purchasing hemp products and only allows liquor stores and designated retailers to sell consumable hemp products. The bill passed 76-15. It goes to the Senate. HB 493, sponsored by Rep. Corley Ellis, R-Columbiana, allows a child advocacy center to be certified as a full member of the Alabama Network of Children's Advocacy Centers if the center meets the standards in state statute. The bill passed 101-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 105, sponsored by Chad Robertson, R-Heflin, directs law enforcement agencies to give an officer his or her badge at retirement, and allows them to offer their agency-issued pistol for free or to sell it to the retiree. The bill passed 94-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 330, sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, aligns the permitted amount of lead in pipes and other structures in the home to federal standards. The bill passed 100-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 357, sponsored by Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, defines the terms 'cigarette' and 'heated tobacco product,' and authorizes the state to impose a 33.75 mill tax on each cigarette and $0.017 tax on each heated tobacco product. The bill passed 58-37. It goes to the Senate. HB 513, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Brinyark, R-Windham Springs, authorizes the Alabama Justice Information Commission to collect and disburse biometric data and allows the agency to use biometric devices to identify individuals. The bill passed 97-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 529, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, authorizes the state to impose a $0.10 tax on vapor products, and sets a $150 price for retailers to purchase an initial permit to sell such products. The bill passed 86-10. It goes to the Senate. HB 90, sponsored by Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, creates municipal housing authorities and authorizes them to manage housing projects and community facilities, enter business contracts and make loans, as well as the power to review and award contracts. The bill passed 97-5. It goes to the Senate. HB 42, sponsored by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, allows judges to issue a percentage bond so that defendants can be released as their cases proceed in court. The bill passed 66-32. It goes to the Senate. HB 91, sponsored by Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, expands the scope of housing authorities to manage housing projects and community facilities, to enter into business contracts, make loans, as well as the power to review and award contracts. The bill passed 96-6. It goes to the Senate. HB 481, sponsored by Rep. Mike Shaw, R-Hoover, addresses bidding processes for local school boards. The bill passed 101-0. It goes to the Senate. HB 443, sponsored by Rep. Rhett Marques, R-Enterprise, extends the Underground Damage Prevention Program to administer the One-Call Notification System to Jan. 1, 2035. The bill passed 102-0. It goes to the Senate. Senate SB 200, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, would change the name of 'drug courts' to 'accountability courts' and to include offenders with mental illness and offenders who are veterans. The Senate concurred to House changes. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 288, sponsored by Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, would set the annual salary of the Barbour County supernumerary revenue commissioner at $37,125. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the House. HB 452, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscambia, increases the Colbert County sheriff's total compensation to $96,000 effective Oct. 1. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the governor. HB 456, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, allows the Clarke County sheriff to charge fees for services like fingerprinting and ankle monitors; forbids other charges; establishes a new $50 court service fee and directs proceeds to law enforcement funds without reducing existing funding sources. The bill passed 26-0. It goes back to the House for concurrence or a conference committee. HB 453, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscambia, creates a new pistol permit fee schedule in Colbert County: for those over the age of 60, $5 for a one-year permit and $25 for a five-year permit; for those under 60, $15 for a one-year permit and $75 for a five-year permit. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 298, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, would change the boundary lines and corporate limits of the city of Florence in Lauderdale County. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the House. SB 293, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, would allow the Lee County Commission to grant an additional exemption to the mandatory solid waste collection program fees to any household whose total income does not exceed 75% of the federal poverty level. The bill passed 26-0. it goes to the House. SB 286, sponsored by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, would propose a constitutional amendment to allow City of Montgomery employees to participate in the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the House. HB 349, sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, increases the annual salary of the sheriff of Russell County from $120,000 to $135,000, effective June 1. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 347, sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, would abolish the office of constable in Russell County effective June 1. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 348, sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, allows the Russell County Commission to increase the probate recording fee from $5 to $10. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 422, sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, repeals a 1969 law on distributing state gas excise tax revenues to incorporated municipalities in Russell County. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 314, sponsored by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, would allow the Shelby County Commission to levy an additional $2 motor vehicle license and registration issuance fee and provide for its distribution. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SB 297, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, would make the division chief of the state Office of Water Resources an exempt employee. The bill passed 26-0. It goes to the House. SB 153, sponsored by Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, would require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to post instructions on how individuals who have lost their right to vote because of conviction. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 206, sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise, would establish guidelines for advising or assisting individuals in filing veterans benefits claims. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 305, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would establish the Renewing Alabama's Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) program and a dedicated fund to move the state toward a funding model that provides more resources to special needs students. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 109, sponsored by Sen. Bill Beasley, D-Clayton, would make an appropriation from the Education Trust Fund to Tuskegee University for fiscal year 2026. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 122, sponsored by Sen. Jay Hovey, R-Auburn, would appropriate from the Education Trust Fund to Southern Preparatory Academy for fiscal year 2026. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 150, sponsored by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, would appropriate from the Education Trust Fund to Talladega College for fiscal year 2026. The bill passed 27-0. It goes to the House. SB 111, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would transfer $375 million from the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund to the Renewing Alabama's Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Fund during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. The bill passed 28-0. It goes to the House. SB 114, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would make supplemental appropriations from the Education Trust Fund Advancement and Technology Fund for the current fiscal year. The bill passed 30-0. It goes to the House. SB 113, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would make supplemental appropriations for the current fiscal year from the Education Trust Fund to various agencies and entities. The bill passed 31-0. It goes to the House. SB 112, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would provide $10 billion in education funding for fiscal year 2026, which starts Oct. 1, 2025. The bill passed 32-0 and goes to House. SB 303, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would change the definition of a 'high poverty school' to no longer include schools providing meals to all students through the community eligibility provision. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. SB 289, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would require the State Board of Education to develop a success sequence curriculum appropriate for all grades and local boards of education to implement it. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to the House. HB 309, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, allows the Public Education Employees' Health Insurance board to renegotiate Medicare retiree health benefits plans every five years, instead of every three. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 127, sponsored by Rep. Margie Wilcox, R-Mobile, extends the termination date for the Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 129, sponsored by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, extends the termination date for the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators to Oct. 1, 2029. The bill passed 32-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 130, sponsored by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists to Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. HB 131, sponsored by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, extends the termination date for the Alabama Board of Licensure of Athletic Trainers until Oct. 1, 2027. The bill passed 33-0. It goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sextortion is a growing threat. Here's what Kentucky is doing to protect teens.
Sextortion is a form of exploitation that occurs when a person obtains sexually explicit images of an individual and threatens to release them unless their demands are met (monetary, sexual or other requests). There is a steep climb in 14 to 17-year-old boysbeing targeted for sextortion; however, younger boys — or anyone can become a target of online sexual extortion. Teenage boys can be targeted by adult predators pretending to be young girls. Predators feign a romantic interest in the boys on gaming platforms, apps and social media sites. Mainly, money is sought after trickery to get sexually explicit photos from unsuspecting youths from their cell phones or computers; however, victims can be young adults as well as adults. Victims are threatened relentlessly with the release of the photos to teachers, classmates, friends, parents, etc. The end of 2023, I was horrified to read the U.S. Department of Justice had sounded the alarm in 2022 about the explosive increase of 3,000 children who became victims of Sextortion — with more than a dozen dying by suicide. Today, 30 young teens have taken their lives and a few cases have been ruled as homicides. Because of long-time human trafficking work, I quickly realized sextortion can lead to perpetrators engaging victims to become sex trafficked for financial payments. Legislation was needed. As president of United Nations Association of the USA Kentucky Division (UNA-USA KY Div.), I began forming a Kentucky Sextortion Coalition with the goal for a sextortion bill in the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly. I reached out to Sen. Julie Raque Adams to be the sponsor. Looking at data from National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) released on April 15, 2024, a graph of monthly reports spanning two years showed exponential growth in sextortion reports: In 2022 there were 10,731 reports, compared to 26,718 reports a year later. Likely, many more were not reported. The KY Sextortion Coalition helped pull together information for what would soon become Senate Bill 181, sponsored by Sen. Adams. But, SB181 did not move much and died — perhaps because of the emphasis on the budget. Opinion: Conversion therapy is child abuse. Kentucky lawmakers are trying to revive it. Nevertheless, the KY Sextortion Coalition held meetings and created an action plan for more education and advocacy. We were not deterred from the mission to pass a sextortion bill in the commonwealth. When the Kentucky General Assembly kicked off its session in January, the coalition continued to update flyers, provide information, data and sextortion cases to put teen faces with stories told by parents facing the devastating loss of their children. On Feb. 6, Senate Bill 73, which makes sexual extortion a felony and allows for enhanced penalties, was presented in the Senate Judiciary Committee and got "yes" votes from all present. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Adams, also requires schools to inform students about sextortion and how victims can get help. SB 73 got unanimous approval on the Senate Floor and went on to get unanimous approval before the House Judiciary Committee and the full House. Now, the bill is on the desk of Gov. Andy Beshear. Meanwhile, California is using SB 73 as model legislation. We hope more states will enact legislation, too. Opinion: I'm a Kentuckian fired from USAID. Here's what my work really did. To help victims, please provide the following: 1-800-CALL-FBI, 988 suicide prevention hotline, NCMEC's or Homeland Security. These crimes can devastate victims and their families. While Sextortion is a global problem, here in Kentucky, we can: Help bring awareness for parents to talk to children. Help the public understand that images can be taken from their cell phones, even if in Snap Chat, Instagram, Facebook, gaming or video chats, etc. Insist that everyone be vigilant to close the camera lens on cell phones and computers and TVs — especially when undressing or changing clothes. Let all know that hacking a victim's device to gain access and control of the webcam or phone camera to obtain images or videos can devastate lives. More laws will be needed as AI and other electronic devices are created and used. Multiple people are being extorted daily by even one predator. It is lucrative and they will not stop until laws force them to face responsibility. It only took one person to step forward to begin to hold predators accountable for their crimes. I hope you will be that person in the future! Teena Halbig is the Kentucky Sextortion Coalition lead president, United Nations Association of the USA Kentucky Division. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Sexual extortion is hurting teens. KY is fighting back. | Opinion
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill to loosen education requirement for public library directors heads to Arkansas House
From left: Judy Calhoun, John McGraw and Misty Hawkins listen to discussion of Senate Bill 181 during a meeting of the House Committee on City, County, and Local Affairs on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) An Arkansas House committee approved a bill Wednesday that would loosen the current education requirement for local public library directors. If Senate Bill 181 becomes law, library directors would no longer need a master's degree in library science 'from an accredited American Library Association program' in order for libraries to receive state funding. It would allow someone with 'work experience in the field of library operations' but without the requisite degree to run a library or the Arkansas State Library with approval from its governing board. Three regional library directors spoke against the bill before the House Committee on City, County, and Local Affairs. All three said they have the current required education and that SB 181 is unnecessary. 'It's deeply concerning and frankly a bit disrespectful to see my profession and the value of my degree undermined,' said Misty Hawkins, regional director of the four-county Arkansas River Valley Regional Library System. '…With 23% of Arkansans reading at or below the lowest literacy level, I cannot understand why we would discourage education rather than promote it.' Hawkins also said SB 181 has 'no clear definition or explanation' for what work experience in libraries would qualify a potential director without the requisite degree. The other two library directors who opposed the bill were Judy Calhoun, who recently retired from the five-county Southeast Arkansas Regional Library System, and John McGraw, director of the Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library. All three said work experience is valuable, but education is an important supplement. 'It gives you valuable tools, it tells you a lot of the theory behind why we're doing what we're doing, [and] it gives you skills, like cataloguing, that I don't think you're going to get as easily just doing the job on the fly,' McGraw said. He also said the bill contradicted the current 'moral panic that librarians aren't doing enough.' None of Arkansas' institutions of higher education have American Library Association-accredited master's degree programs, said the bill's Republican sponsors, Rep. Rebecca Burkes of Lowell and Sen. Dan Sullivan of Jonesboro. They also said SB 181 will make it easier for local library boards to fill library director vacancies. The three library directors all asserted that these degree programs are offered online and that there is no shortage of degreed librarians in Arkansas. The Arkansas State Library Board provides scholarships for students in an ALA-accredited master's degree program, and the board rejected a motion earlier this month to remove the ALA from its scholarship requirements. The failed motion also would have removed the ALA from the State Library's standards for state aid to public libraries, which are partly based on one of the statutes SB 181 seeks to amend. Sullivan is also sponsoring Senate Bill 184, which would dissolve the State Library Board. Hawkins spoke against the bill before a Senate committee earlier this month. The bill passed the Senate and has yet to be heard by a House committee. On Wednesday, Sullivan reiterated his opposition to both ALA and the State Library Board. He has often criticized the statement within the ALA's Library Bill of Rights that access to libraries should not be restricted based on a person's age. Far-right conservatives nationwide have claimed this is proof that the ALA believes in forcing content about sexual activity and LGBTQ+ topics onto children. Arkansas State Library Board refuses to reject American Library Association, withhold funds Former ALA President Emily Drabinski called herself a Marxist in a 2022 tweet; Sullivan repeated his assertion that this means ALA supports a political agenda and expects libraries to do the same. He also criticized ALA's stated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 'Our libraries are fantastic institutions,' Sullivan said. 'For decades, our professionals that run those are good hardworking folks in your communities… We can have professionals in our libraries who have a choice to go to programs that allow them to pursue what they think is important, and your local board can choose whether that's important.' Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, said he found SB 181 confusing. He represents part of the Arkansas River Valley Regional Library System and said he appreciated Hawkins' testimony. 'It'd be different if I had people coming to me saying that we can't fill these positions at the libraries in Pope, Johnson and Yell counties, but… I'm not hearing that, so it makes me think this isn't a need,' Pilkington said. 'And then I hear all this discussion about all these other [things], and granted, I don't like Marxists either, I don't like a lot of the things that the senator mentioned, but to me, I'm not seeing how we're addressing those problems in this bill.' Pilkington was in the minority of committee members, primarily Democrats, who voted against SB 181 on a voice vote. The full House is expected to vote on the bill Thursday, and it would then go to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' desk. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
