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Senate GOP Weighs Rule Changes Amid Tense Final Days of Session

Alabama Senate Considers Rule Changes to Address Legislative Delays

MONTGOMERY, AL — The Alabama Senate is poised to explore potential rule changes regarding the duration of debate over legislation, a move prompted by significant delays during the recent legislative session. This discussion comes after numerous local and statewide bills were stalled, primarily due to strategic delays employed by the seven-member Democratic minority.

Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger criticized the prolonged debates, which he believes hindered vital local legislation. "One person can hold those up all day," he noted, emphasizing the importance of local bills to constituents. Gudger highlighted that typically, local legislation sails through when there’s consensus among affected lawmakers, but this session saw over two dozen bills languish, notably due to Democratic protests surrounding a gambling bill and other GOP-backed initiatives.

As tensions escalated, Democrats leveraged Senate rules to extend debate times, even calling for bills to be read aloud—an action that showcased their grip on the microphone. Gudger acknowledged this tactic, stating, "They don’t have the supermajority to get things passed… so they delay."

Meanwhile, Democrats, including Sen. Bobby Singleton, defended their approach, labeling the possibility of rule changes as "short-sighted." Singleton argued that allowing thorough debate ensures transparency in legislative processes, adding, “We’re a deliberative body.”

Previous alterations in House rules have introduced a "cloture calendar" limiting debate duration per bill, a strategy the Senate might consider. Sen. Arthur Orr suggested implementing similar time management rules, indicating the discussion would garner serious consideration.

Such rule modifications would typically occur at the start of a new term. The Senate plans to analyze these changes further in the lead-up to the 2027 session, aiming to strike a balance between ensuring robust debate and expediting the legislative process for Alabama residents.

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