Despite Gov. Robert Bentley's stated desire for further changes to Alabama's 2011 immigration law, he abandoned efforts on Friday to achieve those changes in the current special session and signed into law minor revisions passed during the 2012 regular session. What does this mean?

Read legislative update here.

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday declined to vote on SB 28, a legislative vehicle for proposed revisions to Alabama's immigration law. The decision came after the sponsor, Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale, asked the committee not to consider the bill. The House version -- HB 20, sponsored by Rep. Mickey Hammon, R-Decatur -- originally was on the agenda for a Friday morning committee meeting, but it was removed Thursday night.

Read legislative update here.

Medicaid, prisons and other public services would risk massive funding shortfalls next year if Alabama voters reject a proposed constitutional amendment, under a General Fund (GF) budget that the state Legislature passed late Wednesday night. The House voted 77-28 for the spending plan, while the Senate approved it 29-6.

Read budget update here.

On Sunday, May 20th, the Marguerite Casey Foundation will hold its first national online convention to ratify an updated 2012 Equal Voice for America's Families platform. Birmingham has been selected as one of three sites that will be broadcast nationally while thousands watch at house parties, town halls and other gatherings. There is reserved seating for up to 250 people. Advance registration is required.

Read Equal Voice 2012 flyer here.

Less than ten hours after the Alabama Legislature adjourned its 2012 regular session sine die, Gov. Robert Bentley proclaimed a special session Thursday morning to address legislative redistricting, changes to Alabama's immigration laws and use tax, and legislation on state financing. In anticipation of the governor's call, State House leaders last week released new legislative district maps reflecting population changes in the 2010 U.S. Census. The call for immigration law changes came as a surprise after the Legislature passed HB 658, a modification of last year's controversial HB 56, on the last day of the regular session. The inclusion of the use tax reflects the Legislature's decision to redirect 25 percent of revenues from the tax away from the Education Trust Fund to the General Fund. To receive regular updates on the 2012 special session and other legislative and policy developments, sign up in the "Stay informed!" box in the lefthand column.

Read Governor Bentley's proclamation here.