Time is running out for Alabama lawmakers to review a lottery and casino bill. Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh said Thursday that the gambling proposal, along with other budget ideas, will likely be considered in a special session. Marsh had proposed allowing Alabamians to vote on crating a state lottery and allowing casinos at four state dog tracks. The Senate Tourism Committee approved the legislation, but his bill has not gotten a floor vote. Legislative rules make it difficult to pass controversial Senate bills in the final four days of the 30-day session.
Settlement Reached
Alabama has reached a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over Julia Tutwiler Prison, a state prison for women that federal officials said subjected inmates to a toxic culture of abuse and harassment. The agency filed a federal lawsuit against Alabama over conditions at Tutwiler and a settlement agreement to address the abuse. The Justice Department said last year that corrections officers at the prison had assaulted inmates, coerced inmates into sex and organized a New Year's Eve strip show. Alabama agreed to install monitoring cameras and implement new procedures to ensure inmate complaints are taken seriously. Governor Robert Bentley said the changes will make Tutwiler a safer place for inmates and staff.
Bill Changes
The Alabama House to voted to expand a program that helps some families pay for private school, but also tightened restriction on recipients and groups that give the scholarships. The House of Representatives voted 68-26 Thursday to approve changes to the Alabama Accountability Act. The approved bill expands the program by $5 million. The program provides tax credits in exchange for donations to the scholarship granting organizations. Children in public schools designated as failing have priority for the scholarships.