Lawmakers approve money for Alabama’s coronavirus response
Lawmakers approved $5 million to fund the state’s response to the spread of coronavirus.
Lawmakers say they have questions on plan to lease prisons
Republican legislative leaders said they are not objecting to the proposal at this time.
Corrections, gambling to be focus of legislative session
The state prison crisis is expected to take center stage in the legislative session.
Alabama republican party opposes appointed school board
The Alabama Republican Party is against a proposal to replace the state’s elected school board with one appointed by the governor. The state party’s executive committee voted Saturday to oppose the constitutional amendment before state voters in March. The decision breaks with Republican Gov. Kay Ivey and Republican Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh who have endorsed an appointed board. The proposed new education commission would be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Alabama Senate. The amendment also includes a directive to replace Common Core curriculum standards with new standards. The GOP resolution said they urge people to vote no and “retain our right to elect” school board members. The resolution said they also fear the new standards will lock in Common Core “by a different name.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Governor Ivey praises Senator Marsh for revamping State Board of Education
Today the Alabama State Senate passed the Public K-12 Education, State Board of Education renamed the Alabama Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education Bill by Sen. Del Marsh. This bill would change Alabama’s current elected State Board of Education to a Commission appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Alabama State Senate, if passed by the Legislature and approved by the people of Alabama with a constitutional amendment. Governor Kay Ivey has urged members of the Alabama Legislature and people across the state to join her in supporting this bill. See story here. Following the Senate passage of SB397, Governor Ivey released the following statement: “Since day one, I have sought out the best ways for Alabama to offer the highest quality educational opportunities for every student across the state. We need a bold plan that works for Alabama, which is exactly what this constitutional amendment will provide our students. “We saw a very strong, bipartisan vote count today in the Senate on SB397 because this is the right thing to do for Alabama’s students. From the beginning, I have made it clear that we need to make a fundamental change in the governance structure of our State Board of Education. “Today, the Senate took the first step, and I now call on Speaker Mac McCutcheon and the House to prioritize passing this constitutional amendment over the remaining days of the legislative session. The future of our students, teachers and state depend on our action.”
Alabama moves closer to repealing Common Core
A bill to repeal Common Core standards passed the Alabama Senate Thursday afternoon. Filed by Anniston-Republican and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh– Senate Bill 119, which would repeal Common Core standards in in Alabama, passed as amended by a 23-7 vote. Marsh says the Alabama school board is “incapable of making decisions that give our students and teachers the best chance at being successful” and thus the state legislature needed to take action. “We have used the Common Core standards in Alabama for nearly a decade and while we do have some blue-ribbon schools, the vast majority are severely behind. We are still ranked 46thand 49thin reading and math according to National Assessment of Educational Progress. This is unacceptable so it is time to try something new,” Marsh explained of the need for repeal. He continued, “I have worked and will continue to work with the education community in developing high standards so that we have the most competitive and rigorous course of study in the country, we cannot accept the status quo and this is a good first step.” The bill now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives.
Email Insights: Del Marsh files animal protection bill
From the office of the Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh. Below you will find a press release from Marsh’s office regarding Senate Bill 61 which was filed March 05, 2019. The bill summary says, “This bill would provide that a person who rescues a domestic animal from a motor vehicle when the person holds a good faith belief that the domestic animal is in imminent danger of suffering bodily harm unless removed from the motor vehicle is immune from liability for property damage or injury under certain circumstances.” , “This bill would provide that a person who rescues a domestic animal from a motor vehicle when the person holds a good faith belief that the domestic animal is in imminent danger of suffering bodily harm unless removed from the motor vehicle is immune from liability for property damage or injury under certain circumstances.” Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh announced today that he has filed a bill that would give immunity to a person who rescues an animal from a car if they believe that the life of the animal is at risk. If enacted, this bill would only allow for immunity from prosecution if a person believes the life of the animal in a hot car is in danger and breaks into the car to rescue them. Before attempting the rescue, a person must contact police or animal control to inform them of the situation, and remain at the scene until authorities arrive to investigate. “This is a simple bill, but one that is critical especially as the weather begins to warm up here in Alabama,” Marsh said. “As I travel around my district and even across the state, I have heard from many people that this is an issue that is very important to them.” “This bill is to protect people who are doing the right thing and trying to rescue an animal whose life is in danger.”
Del Marsh pre-files bill to allow Alabamians to donate state income tax return monies to fund border wall
As federal lawmakers face a Feb. 15 deadline for reaching a deal on border security, an Alabama state senator has a solution of his own. Anniston-Republican, Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh on Tuesday announced that he has pre-filed legislation that would allow taxpayers to check a box on their Alabama tax returns to donate to We Build the Wall, Inc. “As I talk to people in my district and around the state, border security is the number one thing I hear about,” Marsh explained. “This is obviously an issue that has people very concerned and one that needs to be addressed.” Under Marsh’s proposal, if an individual desired to donate to We Build the Wall they would be able to check a box on their state income tax return and designate the amount of their tax return they wished to donate. Currently, Alabamians have the ability to check off contributions on their tax returns for many different entities including the Alabama 4-H, Alabama Aging program, Arts Development Fund, and USS Alabama Battleship Commission. “It is obvious that many people in the Federal government have little desire to address border security, so this is an easy way for people in Alabama, if they choose, to check a box and make a donation in support of building a border wall,” Marsh add. We Build the Wall, Inc. is a Florida-based non-profit raising funds to build the wall along the United States border with Mexico for national security purposes. It was launched in December by 37-year-old Brian Kolfage, a triple amputee who received a Purple Heart while serving in Iraq. At the time of publishing it has raised over $20 million through a GoFundMe campaign. The 2019 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature begins March 5.
State Sen. Tim Melson pre-files bill to teach Bible classes in Alabama public schools
An Alabama lawmaker has pre-filed a bill in the state legislature that would allow the Bible to be taught as an elective for grades six to twelve. Florence-Republican, State Sen. Tim Melson has pre-filed SB14, which would allow teachers to teach without feeling as though they may be brekaing the law. He intentionally made the course and election option to steer clear or any potential lawsuits challenging church and state. Melson’s bill would also allow public schools to display artifacts, monuments, symbols, and texts related to the study of the Bible if displaying these items is appropriate to the overall educational purpose of the course, and would require the State Board of Education to adopt rules and policies to implement the requirements of the bill. And it looks like Melson’s not the only state lawmaker that would like to see the bill passed. “If students choose to study Biblical literacy as an elective in school, then there is no reason why that should not be allowed,” Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said in a statement. “This bill simply allows students to study artifacts, monuments, symbols, and text related to the study of the Bible.” “I applaud Senator Melson for sponsoring this bill and I thank President Trump for bringing this issue to national attention,”continued Marsh. “I look forward to working on the passage of this bill in the upcoming session.” Marsh is referring to the fact President Donald Trump recently tweeted his support of similar bills being filed across the country that would allow for Bible literacy classes in schools. “Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great!” Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2019 The 2019 legislative sessions begins March 5.
Email Insights: Senate releases 2019-2022 committee assignments
Today the Alabama State Senate sent out the email below announcing that the Committee on Assignments made the following Senate Standing Committee appointments for the 2019-2022 quadrennium: Committee on Rules Jabo Waggoner (Chair)Clay Scofield (Vice Chair)Gerald AllenLinda Coleman-MadisonVivian FiguresJimmy HolleySteve LivingstonJim McClendonTim MelsonArthur OrrGreg ReedRodger Smitherman Committee on Finance & Taxation Education Arthur Orr (Chair)Tim Melson (Vice Chair)Greg AlbrittonGerald AllenDonnie ChesteenPriscilla DunnVivian FiguresGarlan GudgerJim McClendonClay ScofieldDavid SessionsBobby SingletonRodger SmithermanJabo WaggonerTom Whatley Committee on Finance & Taxation General Fund Greg Albritton (Chair)Gerald Allen (Vice Chair)Billy BeasleyTom ButlerClyde ChamblissLinda Coleman-MadisonJimmy HolleySteve LivingstonJim McClendonArthur OrrMalika Sanders-FortierLarry StuttsJabo WaggonerCam Ward Committee on Confirmations Clay Scofield (Chair)Jabo Waggoner (Vice Chair)Gerald AllenWill BarfootDavid BurketteVivian FiguresSam GivhanAndrew JonesGreg ReedDavid SessionsRodger SmithermanLarry StuttsCam WardTom WhatleyJack Williams Committee on Judiciary Cam Ward (Chair)Will Barfoot (Vice Chair)Greg AlbrittonLinda Coleman-MadisonVivian FiguresSam GivhanArthur OrrMalika Sanders-FortierBobby SingletonRodger SmithermanLarry StuttsTom Whatley Committee on Government Affairs Jimmy Holley (Chair)Chris Elliott (Vice Chair)Greg AlbrittonClyde ChamblissLinda Coleman-MadisonSam GivhanGarlan GudgerArthur OrrDan RobertsMalika Sanders-FortierShay Shelnutt Committee on Education Policy Tim Melson (Chair)Donnie Chesteen (Vice Chair)David BurketteTom ButlerPriscilla DunnChris ElliottVivian FiguresJim McClendonRandy PriceShay Shelnutt Committee on Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Tom Whatley (Chair)David Sessions (Vice Chair)Billy BeasleyChris ElliottGarlan GudgerAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonTim MelsonRandy PriceClay ScofieldBobby SingletonLarry StuttsJack Williams Committee on Banking & Insurance Shay Shelnutt (Chair)Jack Williams (Vice Chair)Will BarfootDavid BurketteDonnie ChesteenChris ElliottAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonRandy PriceDan RobertsClay ScofieldBobby SingletonRodger SmithermanJabo WaggonerTom Whatley Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Steve Livingston (Chair)Garlan Gudger (Vice Chair)Will BarfootTom ButlerClyde ChamblissPriscilla DunnArthur OrrDan RobertsMalika Sanders-FortierClay ScofieldShay ShelnuttCam Ward Committee on Transportation & Energy Gerald Allen (Chair)Dan Roberts (Vice Chair)David BurketteTom ButlerDonnie ChesteenPriscilla DunnChris ElliottSam GivhanAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonRandy PriceGreg ReedDavid Sessions Committee on Healthcare Jim McClendon (Chair)Larry Stutts (Vice Chair)Billy BeasleyTom ButlerDonnie ChesteenLinda Coleman-MadisonTim MelsonGreg ReedDan RobertsCam WardTom WhatleyJack Williams Committee on Children, Youth & Human Services Larry Stutts (Chair)Andrew Jones (Vice Chair)Greg AlbrittonWill BarfootBilly BeasleyClyde ChamblissLinda Coleman-MadisonSam GivhanJimmy HolleyDan RobertsMalika Sanders-FortierShay ShelnuttJack Williams Committee on Tourism Del Marsh (Chair)Randy Price (Vice Chair)Billy BeasleyPriscilla DunnChris ElliottGarlan GudgerAndrew JonesTim MelsonDavid SessionsBobby SingletonRodger Smitherman Committee on Veterans & Military Affairs Tom Butler (Chair)Sam Givhan (Vice Chair)Will BarfootBilly BeasleyDavid BurketteDonnie ChesteenJimmy HolleyMalika Sanders-Fortier Committee on Local Legislation (LL1) Clyde Chambliss (Chair)Del MarshGreg Reed Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) thanked the committee for their work. “I want to thank the Committee on Assignments for their work on these committees, they did a fantastic job of matching Senators with the committee that best takes advantage of their strengths and abilities,” Marsh said. “I look forward to working with these members in the upcoming session. There are some tough issues facing the state and I believe these committees and their members are best equipped to address these issues in a way that benefits the people of Alabama.” Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) was excited to see the new committees in action. “Committees are the backbone of the legislative process, a place where bills are refined and improved and ideas are vigorously debated,” Senator Reed said. “Like the entire Senate, the committee chairmen come from all walks of life and include small business owners, doctors, farmers, former teachers, and attorneys from every region of our state. The 4.8 million citizens of Alabama deserve the best leadership possible, and I am confident that these citizen-lawmakers will ably lead the Senate’s fifteen committees during the new legislative term.” Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) praised the way committee assignments were handled. “Because we are in the minority we’re only going to get so many seats on committees. However, I think what has been done was fair based on the percentage of people that we have,” said Senator Singleton. “There were only two committees that we didn’t get seats, the Committee on Assignment and the Local Legislation Committee, but I would have liked to have representation on those as well, and of course we would love some chairmanships.”
Personnel note: Del Marsh hires Derek Trotter as his chief of staff
Anniston-Republican and Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh announced Monday he has hired Derek Trotter as his chief of staff. “I look forward to having Derek serve as my Chief of Staff,” Marsh said. “His previous experience in the Pro Tem’s office makes him uniquely qualified to ensure that the Alabama Senate continues to run smoothly and serve the people of Alabama as it has in the past.” Trotter returns to the Pro Tem’s office after a stint in the Governor’s Robert Bentley‘s Legislative office as well as a stint the private sector at Butler Snow. In Bentley’s office, Trotter represented the governor before the Alabama Legislature and built and maintained relationships with key legislative leaders on behalf of the governor. He also managed and implemented strategies to pass key items on the governor’s legislative agenda. Trotter frequently advised the governor’s 22-member cabinet on legislative matters impacting their agencies. In 2016, he joined Butler Snow’s Montgomery, Ala., office where he practiced with the firm’s regulatory and government relations team. Prior to that he served as communications director for Marsh. “Having spent the majority of my career working with the Alabama Senate, both in the President Pro Tem’s Office and Governor’s Legislative Office, I am thrilled about the opportunity to serve as Senator Marsh’s Chief of Staff,” Trotter said. “Every member of the Alabama Senate has a shared commitment to serving their constituents to the best of their ability and I look forward to working with them in an effort to make Alabama an even better place to live, work and raise a family.” Derek is a native of Trussville and a graduate of Auburn University. He and his wife Kala reside in Pike Road with their two children. Trotter’s first day was Monday.
Del Marsh: National Hunting and Fishing Day: Celebrating Alabama’s sportsmen and women
Saturday, September 22 is our nation’s 46th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day. As Co-Chair of the Alabama Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and as a member of the 48-state National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, I am proud to take time to celebrate the time-honored traditions of hunting and angling. I am also pleased to recognize the historical and ongoing contributions of our state’s original conservationists — sportsmen and sportswomen. Alabama hunters and anglers are the primary source of conservation funding for the Yellowhammer State. Through the purchase of licenses, tags, and by paying self-imposed excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing tackle, motorboat fuel, and other equipment, hunters and anglers drive conservation funding in Alabama and the United States, through the American System of Conservation Funding, a “user pays public benefits” System. Last year alone, this System, combined with hunting and fishing license sales, contributed over $47 million to fund state conservation efforts administered through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). All Alabamians benefit from these funds through improved access to public lands, public shooting ranges, improved soil and water quality, habitat restoration, fish and wildlife research, private and public habitat management, hunter education, boat access area construction and many other DCNR projects funded through this System. Hunting and angling are also a significant economic driver for our state. Alabama sportsmen and women spend roughly $2 billion per year on their outdoor pursuits, supporting nearly 40,000 jobs in the state and contributing over $165 million in state and local taxes. Hunting produces countless benefits for our state’s conservation funding and economy, therefore it is important that Alabama sportsmen and women invest time and effort to encourage future participation by the next generation in these time-honored traditions. This effort to increase hunter participation is called recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) and over 450 individual R3 programs nationwide have had regional success. R3 programs, as well as many others, need your support and it’s going to take the involvement of every Alabama hunter, regardless of age, to ensure the future of the outdoor pursuits we celebrate on National Hunting and Fishing Day. Our hunting and angling heritage should not be taken for granted, and getting the next generation of Alabama’s sportsmen and women involved in the outdoors will help ensure the conservation of our abundant natural resources for the future. More information on National Hunting and Fishing Day is available at www.NHFDay.org or on the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation website at www.congressionalsportsmen.org/policies/state/national-hunting-and-fishing-day ••• Del Marsh, a Republican from Anniston, is the President Pro Tem of the Alabama State Senate.
