Last Updated:May 08. 2008 11:15PM
Published: May 09. 2008 3:30AM

There will be draft beer in Colbert County but there won't be any more constables in Lawrence County under bills that were passed in the Legislature on Thursday.

The Senate, by a 17-1 vote, passed a House bill that authorizes draft beer in Colbert County. Senators also passed another House bill that abolishes the office of constable in Lawrence County.

"I voted for it; it's wet already," Sen. Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals, said of the draft beer bill.

The bill authorizes the sale of draft or keg beer in Colbert County.

Sheffield Mayor Billy Don Anderson said he wanted the legislation for competitive reasons because draft beer is legal across the Tennessee River in Florence.

Rep. Marcel Black, D-Tuscumbia, sponsored the draft beer legislation.

Denton said a second Colbert County bill that would modernize the Sheffield civil service board and system may in trouble. He said he believes the bill may not pass on the last day of the 2008 legislative session, which is scheduled May 19.

The Senate has been bogged down for weeks, mainly over bingo legislation that affects south Alabama counties. The dispute has caused a backlog, which is jeopardizing many local bills.

Anderson also pushed the legislation revamping the civil service board, giving the mayor more authority.

The Senate passed the constable bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Jody Letson, D-Hillsboro.

Senators representing Lawrence County - Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, and Zeb Little, D-Cullman - said they were asked by law enforcement officials to abolish the office of constable.

"It was controversial because constables do a good job in many counties," Bedford said. "But apparently there was a problem with a local constable and the sheriff and the local delegation asked for me to support it."

Current constables will serve until the end of their terms.

The Senate, on a 23-0 vote, also passed a bill exempting tourist camps, cabins and campgrounds in Franklin County from the county lodging tax. Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, D-Red Bay, sponsored the bill.

The bills go to Gov. Bob Riley's office for consideration.

Dana Beyerle can be reached at (334) 264-6605.