The Alabama House approved legislation Tuesday granting state leaders authority to remove board appointees who fail to fulfill their duties or responsibilities.
Acting Chair Joan Reynolds praised Republican legislators who led bipartisan work protecting families from rising utility costs and strengthening oversight.
The legislation allows capital punishment for sexual crimes against children under 12, directly challenging a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court decision on non-murder offenses.
Lawmakers approved four contracts totalling $800,000 to hire legal representation for Department of Corrections employees in lawsuits alleging brutality.
The Alabama House significantly increased penalties for making terrorist threats, requiring principals to immediately suspend students charged with such crimes.
The Alabama Senate passed legislation making child predators eligible for the death penalty and required age filters for inappropriate app store content.