(Montgomery, AL) – On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a bill 58-33 that would legalize homebrewing in wet counties across state of Alabama. The bill passed earlier in the legislative session this year than last, giving the Senate increased time to look at the bill. Last year, the session ended before it could go up for a Senate vote.
@Free the Hops, @Alahomebrewing and @Aleheads tweeted up a storm during a lively two-hour debate that saw a cast of colorful characters come out against it. Those tweets are worth a look if you want the play-by-play (we look forward to sharing the audio archive).
Below, Free the Hops lays out the next steps for the bill:
Looking ahead. 1) If/when bill passes the House today, if time allows it will get a first reading in the Senate today. (contd)
— Free The Hops (@freethehops) April 2, 2013
@adamnason Leg doesn't wk 8-5. They work Tue-Thur, start late finish late Tue, cmtee meetings on Weds, start early finish early on Thurs.
— Free The Hops (@freethehops) April 2, 2013
2) After first reading in Senate, bill will go into Senate committee. A HB bill has already passed same Senate committee.
— Free The Hops (@freethehops) April 2, 2013
If this bill passes Senate committee, it will need to get on a Senate special order calendar and pass that body. Then onto Governor after.
— Free The Hops (@freethehops) April 2, 2013
All of the remaining steps for the bill could happen as soon as next week, or might take a few weeks to get through Senate.
— Free The Hops (@freethehops) April 2, 2013
@adamnason This bill passed the House last year, but too late to make it through Senate. Will make it to Senate much earlier this year.
— Free The Hops (@freethehops) April 2, 2013