Summary of action in Alabama Legislature

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A summary of action in the Alabama Legislature on Thursday, the 19th meeting day of the regular session:

HOUSE:

- Approved a bill to give schools system greater flexibility to set the school calendar. Schools could keep a 180-day meeting schedule or adopt a 1080-hour school year. Goes to Senate.

- Approved a bill to require lobbyists who subcontract with another firm to list the companies or people paying for the lobbying work. Goes to Senate.

SENATE:

- Approved an open meetings bill that restores the public’s ability to sue when a public body improperly keeps a meeting secret or closed. Goes to House.

- Approved an education budget that gives a one-time bonus of 1 percent for public school employees. Goes to House.

-Approved a bill setting up regulations of wind farms and providing for oversight by the Public Service Commission. Goes to House.

-Approved a bill to allow some felony drug offenders to qualify for food stamps and welfare after completing their sentences. Goes to House.

-Approved a bill to set up a procedure separate from the state Revenue Department for taxpayers to appeal tax cases. Goes back to House.

COMMITTEES:

- The Senate Constitution and Elections Committee approved a proposed constitutional amendment to allow the Ten Commandments, mixed with other historical documents, to be displayed in schools and public buildings. Goes to Senate.

AGENDA:

- House meets at 1 p.m. Tuesday, and the Senate at 2 p.m.