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Citizen Portal News Alabama
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Montgomery is on the brink of exciting soccer developments as Mayor Reed reveals talks for a professional team amidst a surge in youth soccer participation!

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#MontgomeryCityMontgomeryCounty #AL #CommunityEngagement #YouthAthletics #SportsDevelopment #MontgomerySoccer
Mayor Reed: Montgomery in talks to bring a professional soccer team as youth soccer grows
Mayor Steven L. Reed said Montgomery is in conversations with professional soccer leadership about bringing a pro team to the city and highlighted growth in youth soccer across local schools, though no commitments or timelines were given.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 5:45 PM
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The Alabama House just passed a series of impactful bills, from legislative honors to crucial updates on driver licenses and food enrichment—find out what made the cut!

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#AL #CommunityEngagement #LegislativeTransparency #PublicPolicy
Votes at a glance: Key bills adopted by the Alabama House on Feb. 6
The House passed a slate of bills across topics including local measures, motor vehicles, education safety and administrative updates. Listed are the bills called and their recorded outcomes on Feb. 6.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 4:12 PM
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The Alabama House has taken a bold step to combat disruptive threat calls with two new bills, aiming to protect schools and hold offenders accountable.

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#AL #EducationReform #PublicSafety
Alabama House tightens laws on threat reports to schools, approves two related bills
Lawmakers approved HB7 and HB188 to expand places covered by terrorist-threat statutes and adjust prosecutorial thresholds; sponsors said the measures help prosecutors and protect schools, while some members raised concerns about impacts on students and prosecutorial burden.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 4:11 PM
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The Alabama House just passed a groundbreaking bill to protect voter privacy by redacting phone numbers and emails from public rolls— but what does this mean for candidate outreach?

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#AL #VotingAccess #PrivacyReform #ConstituentOutreach
Alabama House passes voter-data bill requiring phone/email opt-in, redacting contact info from statewide roll
The House on Feb. 6 passed HB67, which removes phone numbers and email addresses from the public voter roll unless a registrant affirmatively opts in; sponsors said the change protects residents from spam, opponents said it will hinder candidate and constituent outreach and push demand to third-party vendors.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 4:08 PM
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The Gadsden City Council is set to transform the community with a $2.76 million investment in the Sports Park and significant infrastructure upgrades!

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#GadsdenCityEtowahCounty #AL #CommunityAmenities #PublicSafety #GadsdenCity #InfrastructureDevelopment
Gadsden council approves Sports Park Phase 5, water‑main relocation and multiple contract changes
Council approved a $2.76 million award for Phase 5 of the Gadsden Sports Park, several change orders and an agreement amendment to relocate a 10‑inch water main on South 11th Street; most items were adopted by unanimous voice votes under new business.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 9:50 PM
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Mayor Ford revealed shocking inspections at Coosa Bend Apartments, where residents were left without heat and living in unsafe conditions, prompting immediate city action.

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#GadsdenCityEtowahCounty #AL #HousingInspection #ConsumerProtection #PublicSafety #GadsdenCityHousing
Mayor Ford says inspections found inhumane conditions at Coosa Bend Apartments; city arranges temporary help
Mayor Ford reported inspections at HUD-subsidized Coosa Bend Apartments found unacceptable living conditions; the city condemned some units, pressed the owner, and arranged temporary hotel placements and referrals through the local housing authority and charities.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 9:17 PM
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The Opelika City Council is considering a temporary moratorium on new residential projects to tackle urgent infrastructure concerns, but what will it mean for the community's growth?

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#OpelikaLeeCounty #AL #InfrastructureReview #UrbanPlanning #OpelikaResidents #CommunityInput
Opelika council holds public hearing, opens two‑week review on temporary moratorium for new residential entitlements
The council held a public hearing and gave first-reading consideration to a temporary moratorium that would pause new entitlements such as rezonings and PUD approvals pending zoning, sewer and transportation reviews. Speakers for and against urged caution, raised infrastructure and economic concerns, and staff said the administration will use the two-week period to provide further information.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 6:50 PM
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Gadsden City Council takes a stand against House Bill 349, warning it could jeopardize property rights and vital emergency services for residents!

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#GadsdenCityEtowahCounty #AL #GadsdenCity #PropertyRights #EmergencyServices
Gadsden City Council adopts resolution opposing state House Bill 349 over Hortons Bend concerns
The Gadsden City Council voted to oppose House Bill 349, saying the proposed Hortons Bend Agricultural Protection Act could restrict property owners, block future annexations and interfere with shared municipal services; the measure passed with one abstention.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 6:45 PM
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A new bill aims to keep schools informed about serious juvenile offenses, but raises questions about confidentiality and the rights of young defendants.

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#AL #JuvenileJustice #PublicSafety
Committee approves limited juvenile‑notification bill with confidentiality safeguards
A bill requiring notification to school superintendents or principals for the most serious juvenile offenses passed committee after members expressed concerns about sealed juvenile records; sponsors said dissemination would be limited to staff engaged with the student and that confidentiality violations would be a misdemeanor.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 1:14 AM
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Decatur City Council has taken a decisive step by approving a new short-term rental ordinance that imposes a 150-unit cap and tightens enforcement rules, igniting a heated debate among residents.

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#DecaturCityMorganCounty #AL #NeighborhoodSafety #DecaturCityCouncil
Decatur City Council approves short-term rental ordinance with new enforcement rules amid neighborhood concerns
The Decatur City Council approved an amended short-term rental (STR) ordinance that sets a 150-unit cap in residential zones, requires owners/agents to be within 50 miles and able to respond within an hour, moves application processing to April 1, 2026, and ties overnight parking to approved off‑street spaces. The measure passed 4–2–1 after public testimony and council debate.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 9:55 PM
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Chilton County just secured a $2 million grant to transform a dangerous intersection plagued by accidents—major safety improvements are on the way!

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#ChiltonCounty #AL #InfrastructureImprovement #RoadSafety #PublicSafety
Chilton County wins $2 million A-Trip grant to rework dangerous SR‑191/CR‑50 intersection
Chilton County officials said the county received the maximum $2,000,000 A‑Trip grant to improve sight distance and safety at the intersection of State Road 191 and County Road 50; preliminary engineering and a possible county contribution are next steps, and staff will coordinate with ALDOT.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 9:54 PM
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Alabama's Judiciary Committee just approved tougher penalties for attempting to elude law enforcement, raising the stakes significantly for offenders, especially with children in the vehicle.

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#AL #ChildProtection #PublicSafety
Committee adopts substitute to reclassify attempting to elude into felony tiers
The Judiciary Committee adopted a substitute to House Bill 37 that raises penalties for attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, making certain offenses felonies with enhanced levels for children in the vehicle and repeat offenders; substitute and the bill received favorable reports.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 9:23 PM
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Alabama lawmakers are taking a bold step to enhance school safety with new legislation that empowers schools to respond swiftly to credible threats and recoup response costs.

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#AL #CivicAccountability #EducationReform #PublicSafety
Committee approves bills increasing school threat response and restitution
Lawmakers advanced measures expanding where credible-threat rules apply, requiring immediate notification of principals, temporary removal for evaluation and capped restitution (up to $10,000) for response costs; sponsors said the bills aim to reduce classroom disruption and recoup response costs.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 9:22 PM
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A heated Judiciary Committee hearing in Alabama reveals deep divides over a controversial bill allowing local law enforcement to partner with federal immigration agencies, raising concerns about potential racial profiling and constitutional rights.

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#AL #ImmigrationPolicy
Judiciary Committee debates local-federal immigration MOUs amid profiling concerns
A Judiciary Committee bill to enable local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration agencies under memoranda of understanding prompted extended debate over probable cause, reasonable suspicion and the risk of racial profiling; sponsor said MOUs are voluntary and the bill requires probable cause.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 9:21 PM
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The Alabama Supreme Court is set to decide a critical case that could redefine how life sentences are handed out under the Habitual Felony Offender Act—will judges have the power to grant parole eligibility, or will a strict pharmacy-robbery law take precedence?

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#AL
Alabama Supreme Court hears dispute over interplay of Habitual Felony Offender Act and pharmacy-robbery parole rule
In oral arguments in Ex parte Antonio Spencer, attorneys disputed whether the Habitual Felony Offender Act required trial courts to choose parole eligibility for life sentences or whether the pharmacy-robbery statute bars parole for certain life terms; the court took the case under submission and a justice was recused.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 7:51 PM
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A new 316-home subdivision near the Tuscaloosa county line has received a green light, but it's tied to a hefty $1.5 million sewer connection requirement!

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#JeffersonCounty #AL #HousingInitiatives #JeffersonCountySubdivision #EconomicDevelopment #StormwaterManagement
Commission conditions rezoning for 316-home subdivision on county sewer connection
A rezoning request for a 316-lot subdivision near the Tuscaloosa county line moved forward with an amendment requiring connection to county sewer after staff said an extension could cost about $1,500,000.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 7:23 PM
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Alabama's SB117 is gaining momentum, giving county commissions the power to streamline procurement processes like never before!

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#AL #GovernmentFlexibility #ProcurementReform
Committee signals favor for SB117 to let county commissions designate procurement designee for service purchases
The committee discussed SB117, a bill to allow county commissions to permit procurement and purchasing authority to apply to service purchases and to let a chief county administrative officer designate another county official to oversee procurement; the committee indicated no opposition and gave a favorable recommendation.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 6:58 PM
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The Dothan City Commission just greenlit exciting new licenses for local businesses and a crucial grant application for road improvements—big moves for the community!

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#DothanCityHoustonCounty #AL #CommunityLicenses #PublicSafety #EconomicDevelopment #DothanCity
Votes at a glance: Dothan City Commission approves licenses, contracts and grant application
At the Feb. 3 meeting the Dothan City Commission approved retail and special-event licenses for multiple businesses, awarded contracts and passed resolutions including a $38,515.60 equipment purchase and a $23,979 annual software contract; the commission also authorized a BUILD grant application for the Honeysuckle Road realignment project.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM
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Senator Bell's new bill could give crime victims an extra year to apply for financial assistance, a crucial move for those facing long investigations and unexpected funeral expenses.

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#AL #LegislativeReform #VictimSupport #JusticeAccess
Committee advances bill extending victims’ filing deadline from one year to two
Sen. Bell’s measure would extend the statute of limitations for certain crime-victim applications (for things like funeral expenses) from one year to two; the committee gave the bill a favorable report.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 6:29 PM
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The Alabama Senate wrapped up a busy session, confirming key gubernatorial appointments and advancing numerous local bills with remarkable bipartisan support!

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#AL #BipartisanSupport #GovernmentTransparency
Senate confirms a slate of gubernatorial appointees and clears numerous local bills
The Alabama Senate confirmed multiple governor appointments to military, regulatory and educational boards and advanced and passed a large set of committee-recommended bills, many unanimously; the chamber also took up and disposed of a series of local constitutional amendment items and procedural matters before adjourning.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 6:22 PM
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E911 staff are pushing for a vital switch to the Vesta answering platform, promising enhanced reliability and local support—will the council approve this upgrade before the deadline?

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#EnterpriseCoffeeCounty #AL #TechnologyInnovation #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety
E911 staff propose switching answering platform to Vesta; council asked to review contract
E911 staff recommended replacing the Solacom answering platform with Vesta (supported by Indigital/Motorola), citing reliability and local support; the upgrade would add answering seats and increase monthly per‑seat cost; staff asked the city attorney to review the vendor contract and requested a council decision by March.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 5:58 PM
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A new substitute to House Bill 157 may exempt small fishing tournaments from permit requirements, but questions linger about the impact on regattas and marine safety.

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#AL #FishingTournaments #MarineSafety #EventRegulation
Committee Approves Substitute to Exempt Small Fishing Tournaments from Permit Requirement; Regatta Scope Questioned
A substitute to House Bill 157 would exempt fishing tournaments with 30 vessels or fewer from event-permit requirements; sponsors said the change narrows the exemption to tournaments and preserves permitting for regattas, though one member recorded a nay over regatta concerns.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 5:01 PM
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The Finance and Taxation Education Committee has just advanced a series of pivotal bills that could revolutionize support for rural hospitals, nonprofits, and charter schools in Alabama.

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#AL #TaxPolicy #EducationFinance
Votes at a glance: committee advances several bills on rural hospitals, nonprofits, higher ed, charters
The committee gave favorable reports to multiple bills: a technical fix to the rural hospital investment program, a tax exemption for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a higher-education contingency-planning requirement, and charter-school financing and immunity provisions. Vote tallies and key provisions are summarized below.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM
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Big changes are coming to Riverwalk Stadium as new owners invest over $3 million in upgrades to meet MLB standards!

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#MontgomeryCityMontgomeryCounty #AL #SportsAmenities #EconomicDevelopment #PublicInvestment #MontgomeryCity
Council approved more than $3 million for Riverwalk Stadium upgrades as new owners plan further investment
Officials said the council approved over $3,000,000 for Riverwalk Stadium improvements required by Major League Baseball and that new owners OnDeck Partners (CEO Mike Carney) plan additional renovations, including new suites and seating.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 4:20 PM
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Alabama's Judiciary committee just approved a game-changing bill to streamline the Board of Pardons and Paroles confirmation process, ensuring fewer vacancies and a smoother transition for appointments!

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#AL #LegislativeReform #CivicEngagement #GovernanceTransparency
Committee approves changing Pardons and Paroles confirmation timetable to align with session
An amendment aligning Board of Pardons and Paroles appointment/confirmation timing from June to February passed; the committee approved the bill as amended to avoid lengthy vacancies and to avoid cutting current members' confirmed terms.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 3:39 PM