Summary Of 2009 Session

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A summary of action in the Alabama
Legislature on Friday, the 30th and final day of the 2009
legislative session:
HOUSE
-Heard House Speaker Seth Hammett, D-Andalusia, announce that he
won't run for re-election next year.
-Couldn't agree on a replacement for Jefferson County's
occupational tax.
-Gave its annual Shroud Award to Rep. John Knight, D-Montgomery,
in recognition of his failed efforts to remove the state sales tax
on groceries. Also passed a resolution honoring Knight for his
record in the military and his community service.
-Gave final approval to a bill saying the owner of rental
property is not libel if a renter moves out without paying the
utility bills. Goes to governor.
-Gave final approval to a bill creating an online database of
all state expenditures including contracts and grants. Goes to
governor.
-Gave final approval to a bill that requires candidates to file
campaign finance reports even if they do not have opposition. Goes
to governor.
SENATE
-Gave final approval to a bill making clear adults can be
prosecuted for using computers to solicit minors for sex, even if
the computer chat is with an adult undercover officer posing as a
teenager. Goes to governor.
-Gave final approval to a resolution calling for the state
pension fund to study financial problems in the state's prepaid
college tuition plan.
-Gave final approval to a bill raising Alabama's school dropout
age from 16 to 17. Goes to governor.
-Let a bill die that would have allowed bonds to be sold to
build a new Statehouse for the Legislature's meetings.
-Gave final approval to a bill that allows homeowners to fly the
U.S. flag even if their neighborhood covenants prevent it. Goes to
governor.
-Gave final approval to a bill creating the Alabama Commission
to Reduce Poverty. Goes to governor.
-Gave final approval to a bill increasing the penalties for
possessing bombs and biological weapons. Goes to governor.
-Gave final approval to a bill saying that handgun permit
records maintained by county sheriffs are not public records. Goes
to governor.
-Gave final approval to a bill requiring restaurants to give the
country of origin for seafood on their menus. Goes to governor.
AGENDA
-Legislature returns in January for its next regular session.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I've always felt I would know when it was time to say enough
is enough." - House Speaker Seth Hammett after announcing he would
not seek re-election to his House seat or a record fourth term as
speaker.