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    Alabama judges are standing by a decision that frozen embryos are children under a state law.  The Alabama Supreme Court in a 7-2 decision rejected a decision to rehear the decision that drew international attention. Justices in February said couples could pursue wrongful death lawsuits for their “extrauterine children” after their frozen embryos were destroyed in an accident. Three providers ceased IVF services in the wake of the ruling because of concerns about civil liability. The clinics resumed services after state lawmakers approved legislation shielding providers from civil lawsuits. Justice Will Sellers in a dissenting opinion said he believed the court should rehear the case. He said the original decision had “sweeping implications.”

      The construction of a new Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery and related projects such as a parking deck and green space will cost about $400 million. A 20-member panel of legislative leaders and their appointees were given an update on the project Wednesday. The director of the Legislative Services Agency told lawmakers that the building will cost about $300 million to $325 million. The related projects include a parking deck, a green space, a new voting system and the demolition of the old building and drainage improvements. That will add another $75 million to $100 million to the project's cost. Lanthram said the projections are on track with what was budgeted.

        The Alabama Senate has voted for legislation meant to ensure President Joe Biden will appear on the state’s November ballot. The legislation approved Tuesday mirrors accommodations made four years ago for then-President Donald Trump. The legislation now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives. The state has one of the earliest candidate certification deadlines in the country, which has caused difficulties for whichever political party has the later convention date that year. The legislation would push back the state’s certification deadline from 82 days before the general election to 74 days, in order to accommodate the date of Democrats’ nominating convention.

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