It has been a busy week in Alabama politics with primary elections and U.S. Sen. Katie Britt's (R-Montgomery) eventful introduction on the national stage for the State of the Union Republican response.
However, out of the spotlight, at least for the time being, both chambers of the Alabama Legislature were at work passing significant bills, including an "IVF fix," school choice and gambling.
The latest version of gambling came out of the Alabama Senate late Thursday by a 22-11 vote.
However, given the substantial changes made by the Senate from the House version, the legislation, which includes a constitutional amendment to be voted on by the public and the so-called enabling legislation, must be approved by the House to proceed.
During his weekly appearance on Huntsville radio WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," State Sen. Orr (R-Decatur), who voted against the gambling measure, predicted the effort would eventually die.
"I think it's going to be a Frankenstein monster [coming out of the House]," Orr said. "I am skeptical the Senate-passed version will be the one that prevails. And what makes me say that, Dale, is at least from the Senate conferees and I think from the House conferees, you'll have, of course, two Republicans in each chamber being named and one Democrat. So, a total of three from each chamber."
"From the Senate, you'll probably have a divide between the two Republicans," he continued. "But the Republican, and that will be Senator [Greg] Albritton, will team up with the Democrat that's appointed. In the House, I think they're pretty solid on what they change. So all that to say I think we're going back to close to a House-passed version coming out of the conference committee. And I think ultimately the Senate will kill it. It will be too much."
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
