The State Board of Education approved the rollout of a new ACT Assessment system for Alabama schools called ACT Aspire. The first-of-its kind system begins at the third grade level and evaluates students annually to determine the appropriate post-secondary career path. State Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice said this new system has been years in the making. The new system eliminates the Alabama High School Graduation exam, the ARMT and ARMT Plus tests.
Marijuana Legalization Forum
The Council on Substance Abuse is hosting a Marijuana Legalization forum Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in downtown Montgomery. The open discussion will be a chance for local residents to explore the idea of legalizing the substance in the state. The event is free and open to the public.
Crime Victims
Groups that assist crime victims in the area were recognized Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Midland City hostage survivor Ethan Gillman participated in the ceremony with the Wiregrass Angel House. Director Shelly Linderman says the program has been helping Ethan's family since he was taken hostage in a bunker 14 months ago. The Family Sunshine Center in Montgomery was also honored. Two other organizations were recognized for their work: the One Place Family Justice Center and the Alabama Crime Victims' Compensation Commission, both in Montgomery.
Securities Fraud
The director of the Alabama Securities Commission says a new state law will make it easier to prosecute securities fraud cases that take years for the fraud to emerge. Gov. Robert Bentley signed legislation Tuesday sponsored by Republican Rep. Paul DeMarco that extends the statute of limitations for many crimes from three years to five years. They include theft of property, extortion and bribery. Securities Commission Director Joe Borg says the new law also extends the statue of limitations for securities fraud and theft by deception to five years from when the fraud is discovered. The statue of limitations previously started when a transaction was made. Borg says the time was running out before that fraud was discovered in some investments that weren't supposed to pay off for several years.