The Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee approved several important bills this week. One bill, Senate Bill 240, would allow probate judges to consider substance abuse disorders in addition to mental illness when deciding involuntary commitments. The bill was requested by the Association of County Commissions of Alabama and probate judges to streamline the commitment process and ensure individuals receive timely treatment.
The committee also approved House Bill 161, which criminalizes manipulating images or videos using artificial intelligence without the subject’s consent. The bill aims to protect individuals’ privacy and prevent the spread of misleading content online.
Additionally, a bill sponsored by Rep. Allen Treadaway to increase the pay for retired law enforcement officers returning to work in public safety roles was unanimously approved in a House committee. The bill aims to address the need for more law enforcement officers at universities and other institutions by removing the earnings cap for retired officers.
The Alabama House passed House Bill 280, also known as the Price Hornsby Act, which requires public schools to provide fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness instruction to students in grades six through 12. The bill aims to educate students about the dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, following the tragic death of a teen who ingested a pill laced with fentanyl.
Lastly, a bill to oversee 23 state occupational boards by creating the Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within the Department of Labor was approved in a Senate committee. The bill aims to improve oversight and management of occupational boards that license various professions in Alabama. Several boards raised concerns about the legislation, questioning the need for additional government oversight.
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