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Breakfast with the Governor

BIRMINGHAM (WBRC) - A bill to implement a state-wide ban on texting while driving was killed in the Senate before it could become a law last year. However, the issue is up before legislators again with the backing of AAA, one of the largest motor clubs in the country.

House Bill 102 seeks to implement a state-wide ban on texting while driving that its supporters believe will become a law this time around.

"It's pretty obvious how dangerous it is so this is something we need," Clay Ingram, a representative with AAA said. "We need to have a law in place to prevent this and to make our roads safe."

About 20 cities across Alabama have adopted their own local texting bans, which Ingram says is a good indicator of the overall support in the state.

The future State Veterans’ Home in Pell City will receive federal funds to help construct the two new facilities.

Senator Richard Shelby announced Friday that the home will receive an award of nearly $33 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs to help build a 174-bed nursing facility, as well as an 80-bed domiciliary. Domicilliary’s were established after the Civil War for economically disadvantaged veterans; however they have evolved into active clinical rehabilitation and treatment programs for vets.  

“It is important that we offer top-notch care facilities for those who have fought for the freedom of this country,” Shelby said in a release. “This grant is a positive sign that construction on the project is moving forward towards completion.”

The $32,965,078 the VA has awarded the facility is 65 percent of the total construction costs; the state is responsible for the remaining $17 million, according to the St. Clair Times.