HJR 71

HJR71 189016-3 By Representatives Fincher, Garrett, McMillan, Shedd, Hanes, Boyd, Grimsley, Williams (JW), Sells, Holmes (M), Brown, McCampbell, Beech, Knight, Chestnut, Drummond, Warren, Coleman, Forte, Beckman, Baker, Shiver, Polizos, Jones, Ledbetter, Buskey, Greer, Boothe, Clouse, Chesteen, Lee, Lovvorn, Crawford, Martin, Gaston, Pringle, Davis, Rowe, Nordgren, Collins, Whorton (I), Wadsworth, Scott, Hurst, Millican, Johnson (R) and Wilcox RFD: Rules First Read: 16-JAN-18 HJR71 ENROLLED, House Joint Resolution, URGING TELEVISION SERVICE PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE ALL ALABAMA CITIZENS WITH ACCESS TO NEWS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMING THAT ORIGINATES IN ALABAMA. WHEREAS, Alabama residents who live near the border of a neighboring state often receive television programming from the neighboring state and do not receive local news and information important to Alabamians; and WHEREAS, with the upcoming elections, potential voters are not receiving vital information to make informed decisions on election day; and WHEREAS, instead of receiving weather alerts, community announcements, and other public information relevant to the Alabama community in which they live, Alabama residents are receiving their news from Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, or Mississippi; and WHEREAS, it is especially crucial that Alabama residents receive timely weather alerts when severe storms are in their area, and if they are receiving their news and weather alerts from a Georgia station the storm may have already affected an Alabama community and moved into Georgia before residents even receive warnings; now therefore, HJR71 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we urge television service providers who serve Alabama residents to provide news and television programming that is pertinent to the citizenship, health and safety of all Alabama residents, by providing access to local news stations originating in Alabama. HJR71 Speaker of the House of Representatives President and Presiding Officer of the Senate House of Representatives I hereby certify that the within Act originated in and was adopted by the House 23-JAN-18. Jeff Woodard Clerk Senate 15-FEB-18 Adopted