By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The Alabama House approved Governor Bob Riley's five-bill legislative package Wednesday. The bills would restructure health insurance programs for public employees. The bills now go to Senate committees. They will begin considering the proposals Monday. Senate President Pro Tem Lowell Barron says he believes the bills will pass the entire Senate by Tuesday. The proposals would require smokers to pay more for their health insurance. Employees who retire after September 30, 2005, also would have to pay more if they have not worked 25 years.