The Alabama Senate approved a compromise General Fund budget that increases funding for courts and prisons. The Senate voted 25-5 last night for a compromise budget that provides more than $5 million dollars extra for the court system and nearly $17 million extra for prisons. Legislators also passed the $5.7 billion dollar education budget. Both spending plans were sent to the governor for his signature.
Private Schools
The Alabama Senate approved legislation saying private schools and non-failing public schools do not have to take students transferring from failing schools. The Senate yesterday okayed changes to the controversial Alabama Accountability Act. The legislation also tightens up which schools will be designated failing schools.
School Safety Bill
The Alabama House last night passed a school safety bill allowing city and county school systems to hire armed school security officers. The bill by Republican Senator Dick Brewbaker of Pike Road was crafted in response to the Sandy Hook school shootings. The ere was no budget appropriation for hiring officers. The bill was returned to the state Senate for review of changes made by the House.
Gun Laws
Key legislators have agreed on sweeping changes to Alabama gun laws. But the House and Senate still must vote on the measure before it can go to Governor Bentley for his signature. Under the plan, employees in Alabama would be able to have firearms in their car at work and businesses couldn't be held liable for any harm resulting from the use of those weapons. Loaded weapons could be carried in cars by anyone with a concealed carry permit. A driver could carry an unloaded weapon, as long as it is out of reach, even without a permit. Sheriffs would have to issue a written justification for denying a concealed weapons permit and any denial could be appealed.