House Approves Legislative Reorganizing Bill

The House of Representatives has approved a bill that would reorganize much of the legislative branch of state government. Representatives voted 64-30 for the bill Thursday. Republicans said the changes would streamline a hodgepodge of existing oversight. Democrats expressed concerns that it will give the majority party too much power over legislative functions. The bill consolidates operations under a reconfigured Legislative Council of lawmakers. The bill would also require the secretary of the Alabama Senate and the clerk of the Alabama House of Representatives to be re-elected every four years. Republican Rep. Mike Ball said the plan will make the operations more efficient and add structure. Rep. Patricia Todd, a Democrat, said the changes will put political pressure on legislative staff. State senators will now decide whether to accept House changes to the bill.