By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – A House committee killed a bill Wednesday that would have reduced the size of the Alabama Supreme Court. It would have changed the court's makeup from nine to seven members. Acting Supreme Court Chief Justice Gorman Houston suggested the change. He says it would help save money during budget shortages by reducing payroll and other expenses. But the House Judiciary Committee voted eight to five to reject the bill. Opposition came from black and Republican lawmakers. Republicans currently have a seven to one advantage on the court. There is one vacancy.