Looks like we may have an interesting week ahead in the state House

[Syrinx]

Medical Marijuana Act- by Rep. Laura Hall- D (Huntsville)- Laura has never been known to shy away from any issue. While I am probably the philosophical exact opposite of Laura I cannot help but respect her for tenacity and willingness to talk about tough issues. This one brings out some of the most spirited discussions on both sides of the debate. It has been in Judiciary before and I believe it will pass committee and likely get the floor of the House. It will be in House Judiciary on Wednesday.

Free the Hops- by Rep. Thomas Jackson- D (Clarke County)- This bill will allow for the sale of gourmet beer in Alabama. Nothing and I mean nothing in the House of Representatives creates stronger passion than alcohol or gambling related legislation. This beer uh I mean bill will surely create a good debate because both sides are already working their votes. On the House Floor as early as Tuesday.

Hate Crimes Bill- by Rep. Alvin Holmes- D (Montgomery)- This bill has also been up one time before. It would expand the hate crimes law already in place in Alabama to include sexual orientation. For record I have never received as much angry hate mail in my life as I did from this bill when it came up last year. Interesting proponents of legislation making hate a crime can call and write you letters telling you that they hate you. This one will be a fun one to watch because everyone usually gets in on the action. In House Judiciary on Wednesday.

Bingo for Medicaid- by Rep. Marcel Black- D (Colbert County)- Ah nothing like a good gambling bill to get the juices flowing for political junkies. This bill would actually restrict bingo gambling machines to places they already exist and provide a tax on them. It would also prohibit the future expansion of these machines to other locations in the state. Since I am not on the Tourism and Travel Committee I am not completely familiar with all the plus and minuses of this particular bill yet but it has been introduced before in the form of Bingo for Books. This issue will bring tons of debate and is the type of legislation that will stop the legislature cold in its tracks for a day or two. Should be fun. It will be in the House Tourism and Travel Committee on Wednesday.

http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/04/02/the-kind-of-week-political-junkies-live-for/