U.S. Rep. Dale Strong said Thursday that the loss of federal jobs in Huntsville will be offset by the defense industry and a diverse economy. Speaking at Drake State Community and Technical College, Strong emphasized the area’s past resilience to job losses. The Huntsville Times reports he expressed optimism about the future, citing the potential arrival of Space Command and Iron Dome-related jobs. Despite expected NASA layoffs, Strong highlighted the importance of Redstone Arsenal and the region's cost-effective business environment. He also supported efforts to reduce the national debt, including cuts under the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency.
The Alabama Senate unanimously passed a bill that would offer gun owners a way to voluntarily give up their firearms while they're having suicidal thoughts. AL.com reports State Sen. Keith Kelley, an Anniston Republican, introduced the Houston/Hunter Act, which would create "firearm hold agreements" between the gun owner and a federally licensed gun dealer or law-enforcement officer. The dealer or officer would then return the firearm at the end of the hold agreement without taking on civil liability. The Houston/Hunter Act is named after Houston Lee Tumlin and Hunter Chase Whitley, two veterans who took their own lives shortly after returning home from active duty.
An Alabama bill that aimed to hold parents accountable if their child brings a gun to school failed in committee on Wednesday. The bill that stalled in a House committee gained traction after a gun went off in a second grader’s backpack at Challenger Elementary School this month. This bill would have made it possible to hold the parents liable for their children’s actions if the gun wasn’t secured. House Minority leader Anthony Daniels tells WAFF TV opposition to this bill claimed it would place a burden on gun owners. He said because the bill died in committee, there is still time for a new bill to be drafted and introduced in this legislative session.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Huntsville Police Department in the fraud case it has opened on the closure of a K-12 school that serves children with learning disabilities. Huntsville College Preparatory School, which has been in operation since 2022, abruptly closed in February in the middle of the school session. Police spokesman Christopher Jackson said in an email to AL.com that the investigator in this case will be thorough in the examination and locating of the facts, and they have reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for assistance.
Alabama ranked 39th in the nation for overall child well-being in 2024. It’s up from 45th in 2023, according to data released Monday in the Alabama Kids Count Data Book. The report ranks the states based on indicators including within health, education, safety and economic security. Apriell Hartsfield, the director of Kids Count for VOICES for Alabama Children, tells the Alabama Reflector the state moved up the ranks because of legislative initiatives like the Literacy and Numeracy Act and the Alabama Juvenile Justice Act, which have improved child well-being. She says the Juvenile Justice Act can be linked to a 61% decline in youth incarcerations since its implementation in 2013.
Responding to numerous resident complaints, the City of Huntsville toughened its noise ordinance relating to vehicles. Under the amendment, the City may assess a $50 fine for first-time violators. A news item from the city says that those cited for a noise violation will have the opportunity to remedy the issue and avoid the fine. A second violation within a 12-month period would result in a $250 fine. A third violation within a 12-month period will result in a $500 fine, 10 days in jail or both. The amended ordinance goes into effect March 1st.
The Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday concludes at midnight on Sunday. According to the Alabama Political Reporter, state sales and use taxes will be waived on a variety of essential items designed to help residents prepare for severe weather situations. Eligible items include batteries, weather radios, tarps and other critical supplies priced at $60 or less per item. Portable generators priced at $1,000 or less are also exempt from state sales tax during the holiday.