The Alabama Legislature ran past midnight on Friday, meaning that any bill that hasn't passed at least one body cannot possibly pass in the other because of Alabama constitutional rules.
With only two legislative days left in the session, let's look at some of the legislation that will die on the vine because of time constraints.
While most of the bills filed are not passed into law, here are a few high-profile pieces of legislation that will have to wait for 2024.
The PRICE Act (school choice):
The Parental Rights in Children's Education (PRICE) Act was filed in the middle of the session in both bodies. The Senate version is carried by State Sen. Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia), and the House version by State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity).
The legislation would allow parents with children in non-public schools to start an education savings account to use state education funds towards their children's education.
Several public education groups, including the Alabama Education Association, opposed the bill.
Even though polling shows most in the state want school choice, the legislature engaged in what Stutts called "stalling tactics" as the bill moved sluggishly through two Senate committees, never making it to the Senate floor for a vote.
Ban on drag shows for kids:
Several Alabama House Republicans introduced House Bill 401 (HB401) last month to further protect children from obscene material by adding drag shows to the list of "sexual conduct" prohibited in public places where minors are present.
HB401 is sponsored by State Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs). Children attending drag shows are a national hot topic, and several Alabama cities have hosted "family-friendly" drag shows in recent months. HB401 never made it to a committee vote.
State Health Officer reforms:
Sponsored by State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) and nine other senators, Senate Bill 171 initially sought to change how the state health officer is appointed.
Currently, the state's top health official is selected by the state public health committee, which consists of members appointed by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. SB171 initially would have the governor appoint the position.
The Senate Healthcare Committee amended the legislation during the legislative process, which Givhan said "gutted" the bill. The amendment kept the current appointment process but required state health officer actions to be approved by the governor.
Despite the amendment, when the bill was on the Senate floor, lengthy filibustering from State Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) caused the bill to be held over.
'What is a Woman' Act:
The What is a Woman Act, sponsored by State Rep. Susan Dubose (R-Hoover), sought to define a man, woman, boy, girl, father, mother, male, female and sex for use in the Code of Alabama.
Dubose said the bill was designed to make clear legal distinctions in female-only spaces, such as jails, prisons, locker rooms and restrooms.
The bill received vehement backlash from transgender individuals who showed up in opposition to the legislation in a public hearing before passing committee. However, it never made it to the House floor for a vote.
Divisive Concepts:
For the second year in a row, the highly contentious "divisive concepts" bill went nowhere.
According to the legislation, the bill would prohibit certain public entities, including state agencies, local boards of education, and public institutions of higher education, from promoting or endorsing, or requiring affirmation of, certain divisive concepts relating to race, sex, or religion.
The bill would prohibit certain public entities from conditioning enrollment or attendance in certain classes or training based on race or color. It would also authorize certain public entities to discipline or terminate employees or contractors who violate the bill's provisions.
Despite having identical bills in the House and Senate that passed their respective committees, neither made it to a legislative body for a vote.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
