LEGAL EASE
by Shane Givens and Summer McWhorter

Feb. 28, 2013

What's happening in Montgomery


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It is that time of year again, and no, I am not talking about spring training. The Alabama Legislature is back in session and introducing new legislative bills left and right. This week, we will look at a sampling of the proposed bills.

Predictably, popular topics this year have to do with gun rights and guns in schools. State Sen. Scott Benson filed a bill earlier this month seeking to clarify existing gun laws in Alabama. This bill also challenges a sheriff’s discretion in issuing concealed carry permits. For instance, the sheriff of a county can currently deny a person a pistol permit because of mental illness or other issues. Beason’s bill would do away with the sheriff’s discretion.

A bill has also been filed that, if passed, would allow a mechanism for school administrators and teachers to carry guns in schools. Under this bill, school officials would be allowed to identify and approve administrators and teachers to carry guns.

Another topic being addressed is home brewing. Many do not realize that it is currently illegal in Alabama to make home-brewed beer. A bill has already been approved by a committee and now goes to the House of Representatives for a vote. The proposed bill would allow anyone 21 or older to make home-brewed beer, wine, mead and cider for personal use. The bill would also limit total production to 15 gallons every three months. This bill does not legalize home brewing in dry counties and cities. In addition, this bill specifies that convicted felons would be banned from home brewing.

Another bill would consolidate more than 20 state law enforcement agencies, along with the Department of Homeland Security, into a single entity. The hope is that this move would cut down on bureaucracy, increase efficiency, and save the state money in the long run. Both the House Public Safety and the Homeland Security Committee have approved the bill, which now heads to the House for debate. The governor and attorney general are supporting this measure.

The House of Representatives has passed a bill called the Women's Health and Safety Act. This bill, should it become law, would require that an Alabama-licensed physician must be present at every abortion performed in the state. Those doctors would be required to have admitting privileges at a local hospital. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

These are just a few of the many currently proposed bills in Montgomery. Often, changes are made between a bill is initially filed and final passage. If you have an opinion on any bill pending in the state Legislature, call your local representatives.

This column is intended for general information purposes only. The answers to most legal problems rely on specific facts of a particular situation; therefore, it is very important to see a lawyer when these situations arise. Please e-mail questions for future columns to givenslaw@tds.net.