Alabama legislators

A Republican-led bill that would allow resentencing for prisoners serving life sentences for nonviolent offenses has narrowly advanced in the Alabama Senate. The 17-8 vote Tuesday was a rare demonstration of bipartisanship as nationally both Democrats and Republicans push for tough-on-crime policies.

The deadline is approaching to register for a new activism education initiative developed by two nonprofits in the state. Alabama Arise and Alabama Values are seeking volunteers for “Think Big Alabama.”

The Alabama Senate has voted for legislation meant to ensure President Joe Biden will appear on the state’s November ballot. The legislation mirrors accommodations made four years ago for then-President Donald Trump.

Alabama lawmakers have voted to withhold economic incentive dollars from companies that voluntarily recognize a union without holding a secret ballot election. The legislation would impact future incentive packages.

Alabama lawmakers have advanced legislation to ban teacher-led discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in public school classrooms through eighth grade. It would also ban teachers from wearing Pride flags or similar symbols at school.

Alabama lawmakers have approved a bill that would outlaw paid assistance for help with absentee ballot applications. They also approved another Tuesday that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs at universities, schools and state agencies.

The Alabama Senate on Thursday advanced a scaled-back gambling proposal. The 22-11 vote on the proposal would allow a lottery, electronic gambling machines at several locations and a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The bill now goes back to the Alabama House.

Alabama lawmakers convene Monday to draw a new congressional map. The directive comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the lower court’s ruling that Alabama’s existing congressional map — with a single Black district — likely violated the Voting Rights Act.

Transgender women in Alabama would be prohibited from joining female sports teams in college under legislation advanced Tuesday by the Alabama House of Representatives as part of a wave of restrictions on transgender people being pushed in conservative states.

The Alabama legislature have advanced a package of economic development bills to attract jobs from incoming industries. The plan is meant to renew and expand the tax breaks and other incentives the state uses to lure businesses.