Summary of action in Alabama Legislature

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A summary of action in the Alabama Legislature on Wednesday, the 18th meeting day of the regular session:

HOUSE:

-Approved a $1.8 billion General Fund that level funds most state agencies. Goes to Senate.

SENATE:

-Approved bills to enact stricter regulations for welfare and food stamp benefits, include drug testing for some welfare applicants. Go to House.

COMMITTEES:

-Senate Finance and Taxation-Education Committee approved a $5.9 billion education budget and one-time pay bonus of 1 percent for public school employees. Go to Senate.

- Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing, but did not vote, on a proposal to let people carry pistols in their vehicles without having to get a concealed carry permit.

- House Education Policy Committee held a public hearing, but did not vote, on a bill to require teacher evaluations, which include measures of student performance, to be one of the criteria considered during layoff decisions.

AGENDA:

-House meets at 9 a.m. Thursday, and the Senate meets at 10 a.m.