Stateline Headlines

Republican governors, Congress split on online tax bill

Perry makes a plea to Obama

Governors Ask Lawmakers to Prevent Future Shootings

The recent mass shootings in Colorado and Connecticut reshaped governors’ legislative agendas this year, and many used their once-a-year legislative addresses to ask lawmakers to take up gun control, mental health treatment and school safety.

Best of #StateReads: Roots of a Voting Rights Challenge

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Best of #StateReads: Getting Aggressive With Pension Investments

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

More states sanction deadly force

A year-old Florida law sanctioning the use of deadly force against muggers, carjackers or other assailants outside the home is rapidly being adopted by other states and already is being raised as a defense in at least three shootings in Florida.

FEMA Change Sends States Searching For Ice

States looking for free ice from FEMA in the aftermath of a hurricane will be out of luck because of the agency's new policy.

Tracking the Recession – Much Ado About a Small Stimulus Pot

After weeks of speculation and intense political pressure, a reluctant Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Friday (April 3) became the last governor to formally notify the White House that he plans to accept at least some federal dollars from the stimulus package - but the controversy is far from over.

AG Luther Strange says Lowell Barron seeking 'special treatment' in sealing part of case file

Bentley's amendment to Alabama Accountability Act drawing opposition from some Republican lawmakers

Existing Alabama laws, public awareness already effective tools to combat impaired driving, officials say

Alabama Accountability Act architect Sen. Del Marsh says Gov. Bentley's changes to law DOA

Delay gives failing schools a fighting chance

Shelby provision in water bill would benefit state docks

Tax credit delay rejected

Gov. Robert Bentley -- Budgets look good, no plans for special session

State Sen. Cam Ward expects Alabaster annexation, elder abuse bills to pass

Sen. Dick Brewbaker says Republicans likely to disagree over Bentley amendment

Abortion clinic's website history is latest focus in state's shutdown attempt

Bentley signs law calling for Gulf State Park upgrades

Jeffco's $105 million non-sewer deal another step to exit bankruptcy, officials say

Gov. Robert Bentley signs bill creating a 'crown jewel' conference center in Gulf Shores

Alabama AG Luther Strange calls for special prosecutor in IRS scandal

Cheers! All 50 States Embrace the Home Brew Boom

As of July 1, all 50 states will allow aspiring brewers to make their own beer at home. But states are still figuring out how to regulate the popular hobby.

Alabama -- Give us your tarred, your poison, your puddled morasses

Alabama tea party groups targeted by IRS

Gov. Robert Bentley considering possible executive amendments to Alabama Accountability Act

Road, bridge improvements to aid all Alabama counties

Bentley -- 'Good possibility' Airbus supplier jobs will come to Montgomery

Almost all over but the shouting -- A look back at the 2013 legislative session so far

Legislators' to-do list for final day includes bills on guns, campaign finance, drug testing welfare applicants

GOP considers campaign changes while raising money

The Alabama Democratic Party -- "We're broke, broke, broke."

State needs nonprofit vet clinics

Lawmakers vote to remove AEA chief from teachers' retirement board

Nullification -- More states are pushing back against federal laws and court rulings but it's nothing new in Alabama

Lawmakers near agreement on gun legislation, Senate approves conference committee report

State education budget headed to governor, would spend 3.6 percent more than this year

Campaign finance law revisions pass House; headed back to Senate

Lawmakers give final approval to General Fund budget, send it to governor

Sharp disagreements surface again as lawmakers amend Alabama Accountability Act

Bentley signs law to legalize home brewing in Ala.

Committee approves bill to change voter registration deadline

Lawmakers won't address whether private school students are eligible for tax credits under Alabama Accountability Act

Bill before House today repeal state limit on corporate campaign contributions; Lawmaker says it's a 'pretend' cap

Home brewers wait on Gov. Robert Bentley's decision

Lawmaker -- Let VictoryLand have same machines as Poarch casinos

Home brewing: Soon to be legal in all 50 states

How tribal sovereignty was born and what that means for bingo in Alabama

Second Amendment Preservation Act just a GOP election stunt

Medicaid bill goes to Bentley

Alabama Senate passes budget, granting teachers first pay raise since 2007

Alabama House panel OKs school security officer bill

Alabama's tourism up 5 percent, state welcome center director says

Alabama income tax collections up, sales taxes down slightly so far this year

One spay/neuter bill could pass, another appears to have hit roadblock in Alabama Legislature

Federal law trumps state law

Alabama's private schools don't want state involvement (update)

Two percent teacher pay raise looks more likely in education budget

Online tax could be state budget windfall

Budgets priority for Alabama lawmakers

Alabama considers regulating marijuana

Disability crisis -- Aid recipients fight stigma

Online sales tax set to pass

State Senate bill concerning Alabaster annexation heads to House

State appeals court overturns capital murder conviction, death sentence in 2008 shooting in Center Point

Nine questions with State Health Officer Don Williamson about the Medicaid overhaul

New Health Exchanges Unlikely to End Insurance Monopolies in Some States

The new health insurance exchanges are supposed to lead to lower prices by spurring competition between carriers. But what if insurers stay away?

Alabama State of the State Address 2013

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Feb. 5 -- Following is the prepared text for Gov. Robert Bentley's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Seizing Medicaid Expansion as a Means to Reform

Alabama aims to make its Medicaid program more efficient, before expanding it. Under consideration is a regional care plan developed in Oregon.

Arizona Can’t Divert Land Trust Fund, Court Rules

The Arizona Legislature violated the constitution when it tapped a trust fund earmarked for education to help plug the state’s budget gap, the Arizona Supreme Court has ruled.

Alabama’s Dam Oversight Void Stirs Safety Concerns, Confusion

Alabama is the only state that doesn’t regulate dams, leaving thousands of aging structures never inspected or regulated in any way. It likely includes dams built over a century ago, and hundreds the state doesn’t know exist.

States Get More Time to Decide If They Will Run Their Own Health Insurance Exchanges

Only a few new states have opted to build and operate their own insurance exchanges. More are taking a wait and see approach.

Alabama’s Largest County Faces Bankruptcy Without State Help

History, a fear of raising taxes, dissuaded Alabama from helping its largest county avoid insolvency

Federal Court Blocks Parts of Anti-Immigration Law in Alabama, Georgia

A federal appeals court on Monday blocked several provisions of anti-immigration laws in Alabama and Georgia, while leaving intact each state’s so-called “so me your papers” policies.

Alabama’s Past, Future on the Ballot

Alabama voters will get the chance this fall to rid their state constitution of antiquated references to the “telegraph” and use of the gold standard and eliminate racist language adopted during the time of Jim Crow laws.

Best of #StateReads: Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman's Political Career Ended with a 'Mighty Fall'

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Dire Warnings in Alabama Budget Vote

Alabama’s leaders want to transfer oil and gas revenues to the state’s beleaguered general fund. But voters have to approve the deal.

States Reconsider Juvenile Life Sentences

The Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole for juveniles convicted of murder is unconstitutional. But the court left little guidance for states on what to do next.

Alabama Police Start Slowly in Enforcing Immigration Law

CLANTON, Alabama — Alabama is off to a slow start in rolling out its law requiring police to check the immigration status of suspects. But it is ahead of the other states, including Arizona, that approved similar measures.

Alabamans Get Sales Tax Holiday for Storm Supplies

State hopes discounted storm supplies will prompt residents to prepare for emergencies

Mandatory Life Sentences for Juveniles Ruled Unconstitutional

Many states will have to reexamine their sentencing guidelines following a Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences without parole are unconstitutional for juveniles.

Alabama State of the State Address 2011

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - March 1 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Robert Bentley's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Ivey, Speaker Hubbard, President Pro Tem Marsh, distinguished guests, my fellow public servants and my fellow Alabamians: It is with great honor and great privilege that

Alabama State of the State Address 2010

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Smitherman, Representative Newton, distinguished guests, my fellow public servants and fellow citizens: When I first came to this chamber seve

Public School Alternatives Gather Steam in States

Louisiana gave advocates of charter schools, vouchers and other publicly funded education alternatives everything they could have asked for, but opposition remained fierce elsewhere.

Alabama State of the State Address 2009

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Feb. 3 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Mitchem, Representative Newton, distinguished guests, members of the Legislature and my fellow citizens: First, I know all of us are saddened

Alabama State of the State Address 2008

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Mitchem, Representative Newton, distinguished guests, fellow citizens and members of the Legislature: As we gather tonight I just want to say that

Alabama State of the State Address 2007

MONTGOMERY, Ala., March 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2007 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Mitchem, Representative Newton, esteemed judges, members of the Legislature and my fellow Alabamians: As a governor, you have the pleasure and h

Alabama State of the State Address 2006

MONTGOMERY, Ala., Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2006 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Baxley, Speaker Hammett, Senator Barron, Representative Newton, Members of the Legislature and my fellow Alabamians: When I came before you three years ago, I promised that if

Alabama State of the State Address 2005

Lieutenant Governor Baxley, Speaker Hammett, Senator Barron, Representative Newton, Members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, fellow Alabamians: Before I deliver the State of the State Address, I want to recognize my wife Patsy for all she's done for me, our family and the people of this state. We're all fort

Alabama State of the State Address 2004

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Feb. 3 - The following is the full text of Alabama Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2004 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Baxley, Speaker Hammett, Senator Barron, Representative Newton, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests and the citizens of Alabama. Tonight we have the unique,

Alabama State of the State Address 2003

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - March 4 - Following is the text of Gov. Bob Riley's 2003 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Governor Baxley, Senator Barron, Representative Newton, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests. I am honored to be in this chamber tonight -- addressing my fellow citizens who

Alabama State of the State Address 2002

Following is the full text of Gov. Don Siegelman's annual State of the State Address, delivered January 8 in Alabama's Old House Chamber. Three years ago, I promised to make Alabama the Education State. Since I took the oath of office, I have spent every day fighting to improve our schools. And I will not stop fight

Alabama State of the State Address 2001

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Feb. 6 - Following is the full text of Gov. Don Siegelman's 2001 State of the State Address: Ladies and gentleman, thank you. Lieutenant Governor Windom, Speaker Hammett, President Pro Tem Barron, Speaker Pro Tem Newton, Members of the Judiciary, Constitutional Officers, Members of the House

Alabama State of State Address 2000

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Feb. 1 - Following is the full text of Gov. Don Siegelman's 2000 State of the State Address: Tonight I have a message for the families of Alabama: I remain committed to changing education in Alabama forever. If anyone thinks I have been deterred, let me put it the way my mother would have

Southeastern States Struggle with Teacher-Quality Rules

Southeastern states are lowering the bar for teacher qualifications and using federal rules under the No Child Left Behind Act as a maximum standard rather than a minimum, according to a report released today . The Southeast Center for Teacher Quality concludes that some states are focusing only on what teachers know and not how well they convey that knowledge to students.

Eight States Raised Taxes in 2004

Only eight states had to resort to hiking taxes in 2004 to balance their books, a sign that states fiscal squeeze may finally be over, researchers said in a new report released Monday.

Despite Federal Chill, States Keen to Trade with Cuba

In Havana, Cuba, this week, state officials from Louisiana, Maine, Alabama are helping U.S. companies negotiate cash-only contracts for sales of agricultural and health-related goods under the narrow confines of U.S. restrictions. The state effort is in sharp contrast with the federal effort to isolate the communist island nation.

State-Tax Systems Need Fix, Report Finds

Like a Model T in the Daytona 500, many state tax systems are too dated and inefficient to enable state governments to run effectively in a 21st-century economy. That's the conclusion of "The Way We Tax: A 50-State Report" by Governing magazine, an ambitious study undertaken with the support of the Pew Center on the States (parent body that funds Stateline.org).

Conservatives Urge Spending Restraint

A leading conservative economist is lashing out at the Republican governors of Alabama, Nevada and Ohio for raising taxes, accusing them of "acting like Democrats without the charisma or the heart."