The Alabama Senate has passed a bill that restores the Open Meetings Act to its original intent.

In a rare Wednesday session, members passed Sen. Cam Ward’s bill by a vote of 30 to 0.

While there were several amendments added, the essential measures of the bill remained intact.

“Our Senate is sending a strong message to Alabamians about their commitment to openness and transparency by passing this bill during Sunshine Week,” Alabama Press Association Executive Director Felicia Mason said.

Ward, who is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was sponsor of the bill last year that failed to pass on the last day of the session.

The legislation became necessary after three Alabama Supreme Court rulings over the past two years severely crippled the existing law. Most damaging was the decision that essentially allowed for secret meetings as long as a quorum was not present. In some cases, the public is only witness to a vote because all of the deliberation is done in small, serial meetings prior to a public meeting.

SB21 now goes to the House for committee consideration.

The House version, HB195, is sponsored by Rep. Randy Davis of Daphne.