State Feed: Alabama

Citizens' Rights Safe in Many States as State Legislatures End Sessions

Tue, 18 May 2010 14:23:59 -0400

Of the 45 states whose legislatures hold sessions in 2010, 27 of them have adjourned for the year, and 5 more will wrap up before the end of the month. Of the more than 80 bills dealing with the initiative and referendum process in various states, 51 of them would have reduced citizens’ initiative rights. Thanks to the work of activists in our coalitions, only 3 bills reducing citizen’s rights have passed and become law.

Alabama: Alabama, Mississippi citizens shut out of government, says report

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:43:14 -0500

Alabama and Mississippi are among 11 states getting a grade of “F” on the first annual report card by the Citizens in Charge Foundation, a Virginia-based group that supports voters’ ability to change the law through statewide ballot initiatives and referendums. Out of a possible 11 points, for example, Alabama got only one on the grounds that some cities allow residents the right to local “initiative and referendum.”

Read the story from the Mississippi Press

Alcohol measure on ballot for Alabama city

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:05:56 -0400

An alcohol measure on Tuesday’s municipal election ballot will keep the status quo if approved by voters. It will not expand Sunday sales or allow beer or wine to be sold by convenience or grocery stores on Sunday. The proposed change in the alcohol law eliminates dual licenses for restaurants which already serve on Sunday.

Read the story from the Dothan Eagle

Proposed bill would restructure Jefferson County

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:53:50 -0500

State Representative Owen Drake of Leeds said today that he will introduce into the Alabama House of Representatives on March 10th a bill to reorganize the Jefferson County Government. The bill creates a separation of executive from legislative powers of the county. It provides for a Chief Executive…to establish agenda initiative and voter referendum provisions;… (READ MORE)

State Rep. Allen Treadaway to file recall measure

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:24:52 -0500

State Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-51st, announced last week in a press release that he will file a bill prior to the 2009 legislative session that will provide for a recall process to remove elected officials at the state and county levels.

Under current Alabama law, only municipal officials are subject to recall.

“Accountability by elected officials to the taxpayers is the key to good government,” Treadaway said.

House panel moves to protect petitioners

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:21:34 -0500

Gloucester County petitioners on the hook for $80,000 worth of fines took their civic battle to Richmond this week and scored key victories in the House of Delegates.

They also picked up the support of what could become a key ally, the American Civil Liberties Union.

State Rep. Allen Treadaway to file recall measure

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:15:03 -0500

Letter to the Editor: Alabama needs I&R

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 13:34:15 -0400

Regarding the editorial “To do (or not to do)” (The News, Oct. 27): The history of our Legislature makes it obvious that even if there were no squabble over rules in the Senate, much of the to-do list of needed legislation falls into the never-do category. A majority of legislators and their special-interest bosses prefer the status quo.