What you missed on the legislature’s final day of the session

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — It was a little before midnight when lawmakers adjourned “sine die” for the last time Wednesday. Democrats had a lot to say in both chambers, while Republicans touted a successful session.

In the Senate, Democrats filibustered bills for several hours. They said Republicans refused to take up bills from their party.

“All y’all want to take something home, all of us want to take something home,” said Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham). “And, the way it is now, it ain’t working out like that. So I hope y’all go and reassess, when we come back, how we’re gonna deal with ourselves in here.”

But Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), Senate Pro Tempore, said they worked to make sure everyone had a voice this session.

“They both were able to talk about what was going on, on each particular bill,” Gugder said. “And we still gave the voice to everybody who needed to be at the well. So, I think it was a win for both parties. And I think it’s a win for Alabama to get a lot of these local bills out of the way.”

A bill expanding criminal immunity for police officers was one of the last debated at the well. The House agreed with the Senate, sending it to the Governor’s desk. Representatives said there were some bills they were excited about and others they wish would have passed.

“Look, this is what we do. It’s all about compromises,” said Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover). “And it’s the best that you can do. Because, if you wait around for the perfect bill, you won’t get anything done.”

“Worker’s comp for school employees- I think that was awesome, because I’ve dealt with the school system,” said Rep. Curtis Travis (D-Tuscaloosa). “I think the bill for paid leave has been very tremendous- a very important one.”

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said, “I cannot be prouder of this body of the work you’ve done this session. You know, if you think about all the bills we’ve passed, it’s affected people all across our state.”

Sen. Gudger said, in a few days, leadership meetings will start back up for next year. He said they will consider rule changes for the next session to make sure everyone in their chamber is treated as fairly as possible.