Legislative Wrap-Up: Marijuana Penalties, Religious Daycares, and Execution Methods
State lawmakers debated a controversial measure this week that would ease the penalties for marijuana possession. Currently, a person arrested for possession of marijuana can be convicted of a felony if they have one prior marijuana possession conviction, regardless of the amount. Sen. Dick Brewbaker proposed a bill that would make possession of an ounce or less of marijuana punishable by a fine instead of jail time. An offense would be a step below a misdemeanor, and carry a fine of up to $250.
And for prison inmates on death row, lawmakers discussed another possible alternative to execution — nitrogen gas. But first, Alabama Public Television’s Don Dailey talks with WBHM’s Gigi Douban about a measure sponsored by Rep. Pebblin Warren that aims to make faith-based child care centers safer. The bill would regulate religious day cares, even as they remain exempt from state licensing requirements.
Last year, we talked with Reveal reporter Amy Julia Harris, who investigated incidents of abuse and neglect at Alabama’s religious child care centers.
Mentally ill people are stuck in jail because they can’t get treatment. Here’s what’s to know
Hundreds of people across Alabama await a spot in the state’s increasingly limited facilities, despite a consent decree requiring the state to address delays in providing care for people who are charged with crimes but deemed too mentally ill to stand trial. But seven years since the federal agreement, the problem has only worsened.
Ivey appoints Will Parker to Alabama Supreme Court
Parker fills the court seat vacated by Bill Lewis who was tapped by President Donald Trump for a federal judgeship. The U.S. Senate last month confirmed Lewis as a U.S. district judge.
How Alabama Power kept bills up and opposition out to become one of the most powerful utilities in the country
In one of the poorest states in America, the local utility earns massive profits producing dirty energy with almost no pushback from state regulators.
No more Elmo? APT could cut ties with PBS
The board that oversees Alabama Public Television is considering disaffiliating from PBS, ending a 55-year relationship.
Nonprofit erases millions in medical debt across Gulf South, says it’s ‘Band-Aid’ for real issue
Undue Medical Debt has paid off more than $299 million in medical debts in Alabama. Now, the nonprofit warns that the issue could soon get worse.
Roy Wood Jr. on his father, his son and his new book
Actor, comedian and writer Roy Wood Jr. is out with a new book -- "The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir." He writes about his experience growing up in Birmingham, losing his dad as a teenager and all the lessons he learned from various father figures throughout his career.
