With only four legislative days remaining in the 2022 regular legislative session, the Alabama Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act (V-CAP) (SB184) still awaits the House of Representatives for consideration.
The Senate version sponsored by State Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville) passed in the upper chamber in February by a 24-6 vote.
Despite the delay, State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy), the House sponsor, insists the legislation will get voted on in the House.
During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show," Allen, who is running for Secretary of State, stressed the bill's importance.
"Well, I think it's going to get a vote on the House floor," Allen said. "We're looking at some debate on it -- I've been but at the same time, we saw what Biden said last Thursday. You know, his administration is going to support these powerful drugs that have not undergone long-term testing.
"We don't know the long-term effects for these drugs the Biden administration is supporting -- minors being given puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones and surgery. And Jeff, that's just not something in society that we can tolerate. We've got to protect these kids. I understand that sometimes there is confusion going on with these minors. But we have passed law after law after law to protect kids."
The Pike County Republican lawmaker cited laws prohibiting minors from partaking in alcohol and tobacco and getting a tattoo as examples.
Allen reiterated his belief the bill would get a vote on the House floor and ultimately be successful.
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