By: Mary Virginia Huffaker
Debate is lively and energetic in the First Year Chamber as Presiding Officer Jeffrey Ford directs new participants in proper debate and etiquette. Three bills in the First Year Chamber have passed so far, including both special order bills.
Bill #159, titled “Our Voice; Student Representation in School Board Meetings”, composed by Delegate Sarah Deewees of the Vestavia Hills Delegation passed with flying colors during voting. The bill would ensure that there is an allotment of time for student input during Alabama Board of Education meetings.
The next bill was bill #200, titled “Votes for Everyone”, written by Delegate Anna Beth Frazier of the Spain Park Delegation. This bill would allow non-violent felons the right to vote after serving their prison sentence. Delegates were in agreement with each other as they voted to pass the bill.
Patton Hahn of the Mountain Brook Delegation wrote bill #193, titled “A Bill to Ban Conversion Therapy on Minors”. His bill would ban the practice of conversion therapy on minors in Alabama and punish those who choose to ignore it. The bill received a lot of support and passed in voting.
Debate continues in the First Year Chamber, assuring that the future of Youth Legislature is bright with the next members of the House and Senate.