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Special order calendars

SENATE These special-order bills for the 2023 Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature will take precedence over all other bills and will be debated first in their respective chambers. SB01 – Educational Refuge for Alabama’s Refugees by Hannah Broders, Davidson High School, Mobile SB03 – The Healthy Food Access for All Alabamians Act by Luke Pappalardo, Vestavia … [Read More]

Gov. Camile Lopez names her Cabinet and staff

Youth Gov. Camila Lopez has selected her staff and Cabinet for the 2023 Alabama Youth Legislature. Congratulations to these individuals. STAFF Chief Of Staff Roselyn Olvera – Spain Park High School, Hoover Legal Advisor Hannah Broders – Davidson High School, Mobile Director of Minority Affairs McKenzie Blackledge – Hoover High School Finance Director  & Senior Advisor Kareena Singh – Montgomery … [Read More]

Remembering Justice Hugh Maddox

Justice Hugh Maddox 1930 – 2020 Justice Hugh Maddox was a gentle man who made a tremendous impact on the YMCA for many decades.  In 1979 he helped found the YMCA Youth Judicial program in Alabama.  Although it began with only a handful of students as part of Youth Legislature, Youth Judicial has gone on … [Read More]

House of Representative Representing

The 73rd Alabama Youth Legislature Conference is underway and everybody is doing an amazing job to make the most of the conference. The debate has been wonderful. Everybody has been very passionate but also respectful. Anna Dickey proposed a great bill in the House pushing for mental health to be taught in Alabama public schools. … [Read More]

Stellar Debate in the Senate

Debate in the Senate has been exciting to watch throughout the day. As debate continues, we have heard from some outstanding delegates with fantastic arguments. Due to a smaller number of members in the Senate, we have experienced more lively debate. Senator Vincent Indovina had an intriguing bill about relocating coal ash pits to prevent … [Read More]

Supreme Court Tackles Amendment One

By: Mary Virginia Huffaker     On the evening of November 5th, the public hearing for the 2020 Youth Legislature Conference occurred when Kareena Singh from the Montgomery Academy Delegation was called into the court to defend the constitutionality of her bill.     Singh’s bill, #135,  is titled “Redefining Religious Exemptions for Vaccines”. The bill would require people … [Read More]

Energetic Debate in the First Year Chamber

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 … [Read More]

Get “YIGy” with It: The 2020 Youth Legislature Opening Session

By: Mary Virginia Huffaker The 2020 Alabama Youth Legislature Conference began this morning with the Opening Session where several officers expressed their excitement for the start of debate. Delegates watched a live-streamed zoom video as they heard from Lieutenant Governor Josh Phillips, Youth Governor Ryan Barranco, Secretary of State Stella Ross, Chief Justice Samad Gallani, … [Read More]

Witty Debates and the Announcement of Special Order Bills

By: Mary Virginia Huffaker With less than four days until the start of the 2020 Youth Legislature Conference, delegates have already begun to socialize. The  start of social events for the conference began last night with the Witty Debate. Delegates presented seemingly controversial ideas to their peers, stating their stance on certain topics while others … [Read More]