Alabama Legislature’s 2024 session begins Tuesday

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama Legislature will open its 2024 session on Tuesday.

More than 100 proposed pieces of legislation have already been filed dealing with everything from public access to police body cam footage to developing a cap on how much property taxes can be increased in a year.

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There is a measure proposing to add rape and incest exceptions to Alabama’s abortion law, a proposal to bar environmental, social and governance criteria from being used by firms seeking state contracts and a proposal to require the playing of the National Anthem in public schools once a week.

But, two of the issues that may draw the most attention, at least early in the session, do not have related pre-filed bills.

Those issues are Gov. Kay Ivey’s push to establish education savings accounts and the introduction of gambling legislation.

In a “school choice” push, Ivey has said she supports the creation of education savings accounts – essentially allowing people to set aside money, tax-free – to be used for education expenses including private school tuition.

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Last week, Huntsville-area lawmakers said a gaming bill is likely to be introduced early in the legislative session. Representative Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, chairs the House Committee on Tourism and Economic Development.

Whitt has called for a crackdown on illegal gaming in the state and said there is support for gaming reform legislation. Whitt told News 19 Friday that a press conference on the issue is set for Wednesday, Jan. 7.

By law the Alabama Legislature has 30 official meeting days and has to be completed within 105 days.

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