Judge Blocks School Choice Tax Credit Bill From Going to Governor (Updated)
Montgomery Circuit Judge Charles Price issued an order this morning blocking a controversial school choice bill from being sent to Gov. Robert Bentley for his signature today.
Legislative staff would have sent the bill to Bentley shortly after lawmakers convened at 1 p.m. Bentley planned to sign the bill this afternoon. Price issued his order shortly before 11 a.m.
The Alabama Education Association filed a lawsuit Monday night seeking to stop the legislation that would give parents zoned for “failing” schools an estimated $3,500 income tax credit to help pay for tuition at a private school or another public school.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a taxpayer and claims that the Republican majority violated the Open Meetings Act when the tax credit program was added to a bill in conference committee with little discussion.
“When the conference committee goes off and takes a break and comes back and they’ve got a 27-page bill. We’re saying they met and had an illegal meeting,” said lawyer James Anderson.
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