Extended debate on controversial legislation stalled the movement of several bills in the final hours of the 2018 Regular Session. 

Among the measures failing to pass was a bill to allow the hunting of feral hogs and deer over bait. HB 21, sponsored by Rep. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, would allow hunters to purchase a bait privilege license from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The license would cost $14 a year, plus a $1 issuance fee. Supporters tried once more to win final passage in the Senate Wednesday morning but failed to cut off debate by one vote.

Also left on the table was a measure to change unemployment compensation. SB 92 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would reduce the number of weeks an individual could draw unemployment benefits based on their county’s unemployment rate. The higher the jobless rate, the longer benefits would be paid. However, it also provides an additional five weeks of benefits for workers enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a job training or certification program approved by the Alabama Department of Labor. According to the Legislative Fiscal Office, the bill could have saved businesses up to $50 million a year.