Montgomery – Members of the Alabama House of Representatives ended a productive week after passing among others, key bills pertaining to custodial sexual misconduct, ballot security, and historical records preservation.

Rep. Barbara Boyd, D-Anniston, sponsored a bill that establishes the crime of custodial sexual misconduct.

It will protect those who are in pretrial custody, incarceration or on parole, from forced sexual wrongdoing by a person in a supervisory capacity.

“We must protect basic human rights no matter what the conditions,” stated Rep. Thomas Jackson, D – Thomasville.

Another bill sponsored by Majority Leader Ken Guin, D-Carbon Hill will further safeguard the electoral process, by allowing the sheriff to obtain and secure ballots in the event they are not delivered from the precinct within the time required by law.

“The 2000 presidential election debacle and the 2002 election for Alabama’s governor and constitutional officers made a compelling case for increased ballot security,” said Rep. Jackson. “Voters should feel confident that their votes are being counted accurately, especially in the event of a recount.”

Finally, Rep. Charles Newton, D-Greenville, sponsored a bill that establishes the Alabama Historical Records Advisory Board which will work with the National Historical Publications and Records Commission for the preservation and use of Alabama’s historical records.

The Legislature will reconvene on Tuesday, March 9, at 1 p.m.