State News
Gun rights bill passes last hurdle in Alabama Legislature
by Tim Lockette
tlockette@annistonstar.com
May 20, 2013 |  0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend
A broad gun-rights bill passed a vote in the Alabama House of Representatives today, clearing the final hurdle before it can go to Gov. Robert Bentley for a signature or a veto.
Final exam: On last day of session, school tax credit act still hotly debated
by Tim Lockette
tlockette@annistonstar.com
May 19, 2013 |  0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
Since the bill was passed into law, debate in Montgomery has focused on little else. And that debate is likely to come to a head Monday, the last day of the legislative session, as lawmakers weigh in on a second bill that could determine the shape of the tax credit program once and for all.
Daisy the cow visits Alexandria Elementary students
by Leah Cayson
Star Staff Writer
May 18, 2013 |  0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
Amanda Griffith brought Daisy as an exhibit of the Alabama Dairy Farmers Mobile Dairy Classroom. The "classroom" program, which originates from the Southwest Dairy Farmers trade group based in Texas, visits 120 schools in the state of Alabama each school year.
Authorities say texting-while-driving ban is tough to enforce
by Debra Flax
dflax@annistonstar.com
May 15, 2013 |  0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend
For officers attempting to uphold Alabama’s ban on texting while driving, which began in August, the difficulty for enforcement is caught in the specifics of the ordinance. While texting and driving is strictly prohibited, Alabama law still allows dialing the phone, making calls and using GPS voice activation.
Governor seeks two-year delay on school tax credits
by Tim Lockette
tlockette@annistonstar.com
May 15, 2013 |  0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
Gov. Robert Bentley's office announced today that the governor would seek an executive amendment that would put a two-year hold on tax credits and scholarships created under the Alabama Accountability Act, which the Legislature passed in February.
Time ticking on Weaver Sunday sales, other local bills
by Tim Lockette
tlockette@annistonstar.com
May 11, 2013 |  0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend
Dial's spaceport bill, Ten Commandments amendment still viable as end of session nears
Governor signs home brewing bill; Alabamians now allowed to make beer at home
by Ben Cunningham
bcunningham@annistonstar.com
May 09, 2013 |  0 comments | 11 11 recommendations | email to a friend
Gov. Robert Bentley this afternoon signed a bill legalizing home brewing of beer, wine, cider and mead, according to his press secretary. The signing made Alabama the last of the 50 states to pass a law legalizing the activities.
Alabama Senate passes changes to Accountability Act without adding income test
by Tim Lockette
tlockette@annistonstar.com
May 09, 2013 |  0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend
The Alabama Senate passed a bill today changing several provisions in the Alabama Accountability Act, but declined to place an income cap on eligibility for the act's much-debated school tax credits.
Alabama home brewers wait on governor's decision
by Phillip Rawls
Associated Press
May 08, 2013 |  0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend
Several thousand home brewers in Alabama are waiting to see if the governor will make their hobby legal and end Alabama's status as the only state banning the making of beer and wine at home.
Alabama Legislature votes to legalize home brewing
by Phillip Rawls
Associated Press
May 07, 2013 |  0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend
The Alabama Legislature voted late Tuesday to legalize home brewing and end Alabama's distinction of being the only state that bans it. The Senate voted 18-7 to give final approval to the home brewing bill. The bill, which had passed the House by 58-33, and now goes to the governor.
JSU compiles wish list for $35.1 million fundraising campaign
by Laura Gaddy
lbjohnson@annistonstar.com
May 05, 2013 |  0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend
The capital campaign’s goals also include raising $8 million in commitments to the JSU Foundation in donors’ estates and $5 million in gifts to be spent on immediate needs, rather than on enlarging the university’s endowment.
Time ticking on Weaver Sunday sales, other local bills
by Tim Lockette
tlockette@annistonstar.com
May 11, 2013 |  0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend
Dial's spaceport bill, Ten Commandments amendment still viable as end of session nears
Governor signs home brewing bill; Alabamians now allowed to make beer at home
by Ben Cunningham
bcunningham@annistonstar.com
May 09, 2013 |  0 comments | 11 11 recommendations | email to a friend
Gov. Robert Bentley this afternoon signed a bill legalizing home brewing of beer, wine, cider and mead, according to his press secretary. The signing made Alabama the last of the 50 states to pass a law legalizing the activities.
Alabama Senate passes changes to Accountability Act without adding income test
by Tim Lockette
tlockette@annistonstar.com
May 09, 2013 |  0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend
The Alabama Senate passed a bill today changing several provisions in the Alabama Accountability Act, but declined to place an income cap on eligibility for the act's much-debated school tax credits.
Alabama home brewers wait on governor's decision
by Phillip Rawls
Associated Press
May 08, 2013 |  0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend
Several thousand home brewers in Alabama are waiting to see if the governor will make their hobby legal and end Alabama's status as the only state banning the making of beer and wine at home.
Alabama Legislature votes to legalize home brewing
by Phillip Rawls
Associated Press
May 07, 2013 |  0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend
The Alabama Legislature voted late Tuesday to legalize home brewing and end Alabama's distinction of being the only state that bans it. The Senate voted 18-7 to give final approval to the home brewing bill. The bill, which had passed the House by 58-33, and now goes to the governor.
JSU compiles wish list for $35.1 million fundraising campaign
by Laura Gaddy
lbjohnson@annistonstar.com
May 05, 2013 |  0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend
The capital campaign’s goals also include raising $8 million in commitments to the JSU Foundation in donors’ estates and $5 million in gifts to be spent on immediate needs, rather than on enlarging the university’s endowment.
Saturated seating: Fans endure rain in their pilgrimage to Talladega Superspeedway
by Eddie Burkhalter
eburkhalter@annistonstar.com
May 04, 2013 |  0 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend
RV owner Jay Bryant said the rain Friday night was so bad it started an exodus. He talked about those who fled like they were wartime traitors. “I’ve never seen people pulling out of the campground like we have today. People just leaving. You never see people leave,” Bryant said.
This week could determine whether Accountability Act tax credits reach rich or poor Alabamians
by Tim Lockette
tlockette@annistonstar.com
May 04, 2013 |  0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend
The Alabama Accountability Act was designed to give students in "failing" public schools a tax credit — about $3,500 under its current formula — to attend another school, either public or private. But just who will qualify for the credit is still very much an open question. Also at issue: Will parents in poverty be able to afford private school tuition even with the credit — and will the schools even accept them? Those questions could get some answers this week, as the Alabama Senate takes up a bill that could rewrite some of the Accountability Act's wording.

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