Alabama legislation has ambitious calendar for Tuesday
Time is running out on the 2023 Alabama regular legislative session. Tuesday will be day 24 of the session. The session is limited to a maximum of thirty legislative days in a session. It takes five legislative days at minimum to pass a bill. With just seven days left and both budgets yet to be addressed in the second house, time is becoming precious for lawmakers who hope to get their bills passed by the house of origin in order for it to go to the second house. The House of Representatives Rules Committee has prepared an ambitious special order calendar for Tuesday. The calendar includes: Senate Bill 39 (SB39) would add additional judges to the state’s most overcrowded court dockets. Senate Bill 159 (SB159) creates a rebuttable presumption of the nonliability of the awarding authority and its contractors in roadbuilding contracts. House Bill 430 (HB430) would provide further for the duties of the Alabama Literacy Task Force and would revise the membership of the task force. House Bill 168 (HB168) would increase the threshold dollar amount for which competitive bidding is required from $15,000 to $30,000. House Bill 435 (HB435) would increase the compensation paid for poll workers in elections to $50 a day. Senate Bill 189 (SB189) would increase the ceiling for reimbursement of nursing facilities’ allowable costs during a fiscal year, as determined by the Medicaid Commissioner and provided by this bill, due to any of the following: (1) a public health emergency; (2) a new federal or state law or regulation; or (3) a statewide uncontrollable catastrophic event. Senate Bill 300 (SB300) creates $10,000 to $15,000 stipends for principals who complete additional training. House Bill 432 (HB432) would reduce the minimum time period for which Alabama driver’s licenses may be issued to a foreign national for a period of time from 160 days to 30 days. House Bill 429 (HB429) would: (1) amend the Entertainment Industry Incentive Act of 2009 by renaming it the Film and Music Incentive Act of 2023; (2) provide a floor of $20,000 in production expenditures for music albums, to receive a rebate, as well as a cap on rebated expenditures of $200,000; and (3) limit the amount of rebates issued each year for music album and music video productions to 5% of the $20 million annual total cap on rebates, which would equal $1 million under the current cap. House Bill 450 (HB450), the Troy Act, would amend existing Alabama code to include the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within all references to the United States Uniformed Services along with the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, and United States Space Force. House Bill 428 (HB428) would expand the definition of child abuse to include certain physical contact of a child five years of age or under and certain physical contact of children with certain mental or developmental disabilities who are 17 years of age or younger, provided the contact was committed with the intent to cause physical injury. Senate Bill 174 (SB174) would raise the caps on compensation for retired law enforcement officers working as school resources officers. Under existing law, a retiree receiving a pension from the Employees’ Retirement System or Teachers’ Retirement System pay is capped at $30,000 if they come out of retirement to work as a school resource officer. House Bill 436 (HB436) would allow criminals under 22 years of age to be treated as youthful offenders. Some courts in the state currently cap youthful offender status at 19 or less. House Bill 347 (HB347) would prohibit the installation of centralized mail delivery devices by residential real estate developers in certain new residential neighborhoods. Senate Bill 225 (SB225) would allow a Department of Corrections law enforcement officer who is certified by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission, including K-9 handlers, to assist any law enforcement agency with public safety. House Bill 337 (HB337) would provide for the payment of uncontested claims on an expedited basis for the Board of Adjustment. Senate Bill 60 (SB60) – Under existing law, the Board of Nursing is responsible for implementing the Alabama Loan-Repayment Program for Advanced Practice Nursing. This bill would remove the cap on the amount of loan that may be awarded annually, would provide further for the definition of a critical need area, and would remove certain penalties for defaulting. The Senate has not yet released a proposed special-order calendar for Tuesday. The House of Representatives will go into session at 1:00 p.m., while the Senate will not begin their workday at 3:00 p.m. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
House to vote on allowing concealed handguns without permit
Alabama lawmakers are headed to an afternoon of contentious debate as representatives take up a proposal to allow people to carry concealed handguns without a state permit. The bill to do away with the permit requirement is at the top of a debate agenda in the Alabama House of Representatives. The agenda also has two other controversial bills. One proposal would change the definition of a riot and the penalties for participating in a riot. The other would require K-12 students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with the gender listed on their original birth certificate. To avoid an anticipated filibuster from opposed lawmakers, legislative leaders are seeking to limit debate on each bill to two hours. House Republicans, who hold a lopsided majority in the chamber, have named the handgun bill as a priority for the year. The bill would do away with the requirement to get a concealed carry permit to carry a handgun concealed under clothes or in a purse or bag. It would also do away with the current requirement for people without concealed carry permits to keep handguns unloaded and secured when driving. People could still choose to get a permit if they wanted to do so. The permitless carry bill has been championed by gun-rights groups who argue that people should not have to get a permit, which requires paying a fee, to carry a handgun they legally own. State sheriffs and other law enforcement officials have opposed the legislation, arguing that the permits provide a crucial tool to combat crime and enhance public safety. There are 21 states that allow concealed weapons in public without a permit, according to Stateline, an initiative of the Pew Charitable Trust. If approved in the House, the bill will then go to the Senate. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
State Rep. Victor Gaston announces he will not seek reelection
State Rep. Victor Gaston, the Speaker Pro Tem of the Alabama House of Representatives, announced he will not seed reelection in 2022 for the House District 100 seat. Gaston, one of the longest-serving members of the Legislature, said the timing was right to end his career in the Legislature and give others an opportunity to lead. “Representing the citizens of west Mobile in the Alabama House has been my distinct honor and pleasure for the past 40 years, but the time has come to step off the public stage and pass the mantle of leadership to someone else,” Gaston stated. “It is important to note that serving in this office for so many years was possible only because of the unconditional love, support, and commitment given to me by my late wife of 46 years, Jean, and my sons, Hank and George.” The Union Church native was first elected to the House in 1982. He holds the record for the longest unopposed election streak of any state legislator in the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference. Gov. Kay Ivey praised Gaston’s public service career. Ivey stated, “When I heard the news Rep. Gaston was not seeking reelection, I immediately thought about the fact that our state is better because of his many years of service,” Ivey said. “He has always stepped up to the plate when leadership was needed, and he will certainly leave big shoes to fill. I have known Victor for a long time and will always be proud to call him my friend.” There are no announced candidates for the House District 100 seat and the deadline for qualifying is January 28.
Medical cannabis group begins drafting bill
An Alabama commission considering laws about medical marijuana met at the State House to discuss the draft of a medical marijuana bill that’ll be introduced to the Legislature next year. News outlets report the Medical Marijuana Study Commission met Thursday, the last time they’ll meet before the Dec. 1 filing deadline. Sen. Tim Melson, and commission chair, asked commission members to study the proposal and make any recommended changes. Melson championed a medical marijuana bill last spring. It went through the Alabama Senate but stalled at the House. The bill would create a Medical Cannabis Commission to manage issuing medical cannabis cards to patients. The bill would empower the commission to add or remove qualifying conditions based on scientific evidence.
New marriage forms and process starts week
Alabama will require new forms— and a new process — for getting married beginning next week. The Alabama Department of Public Health issued guidance Tuesday about the new form and procedure. The Alabama Legislature this year voted to do away with marriage licenses to accommodate conservative probate judges who objected to same-sex marriage. Instead of a marriage license, couples will fill out a new form , have it notarized and then take it to the probate judge within 30 days. A wedding ceremony is no longer required, but a couple can still have one if they choose. The couple’s marriage date is the date that the affidavit on the Alabama Marriage Certificate form is signed by the two spouses, provided the notarized form is returned to the probate office within the required time frame. The change begins Friday, August, 29th. Ever since same-sex marriage became legal in Alabama, a few of the state’s 68 probate judges had refused to issue marriage licenses to anyone so they didn’t have to give them to gay couples. Alabama law says probate judges “may” issue marriage, but doesn’t force them to do so. Republican Sen. Greg Albritton proposed the change in state law. He said he believes it should accommodate probate judges’ concerns and allow people to get marriage documents everywhere. “There are many areas that are not conducting any marriages at all in the state. That puts a burden on those residents to travel somewhere else,” Albritton said. “I think it is going to allow all of Alabama to engage in matrimony. I think that is a very good thing,” Albritton said. Albritton pushed the change for several years before it was approved this legislative session. When the Alabama House of Representatives approved the change in May, Rep. Neil Rafferty, the only openly gay member of the House, said the change was “born out of prejudice.” “It accommodates a handful of judges that couldn’t get their personal feelings, couldn’t check those at the door and couldn’t do their jobs,” Rafferty, Democrat-Birmingham, told reporters in May. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Alabama Ethics Commission says legislator can work for House Speaker
The Alabama Ethics Commission says a retiring member of the House of Representatives can work as House Speaker Mac McCutcheon’s chief of staff without violating the “revolving door” provision of state ethics law. Commissioners issued the advisory opinion Wednesday for Republican Rep. Mark Tuggle of Alexander City. The opinion said Tuggle can do administrative duties but cannot lobby his former colleagues on behalf of outside groups. In a separate matter, the commission will not reconsider an advisory opinion that said a candidate can use campaign funds for child care expenses. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill’s office asked for the reconsideration, concerned that the wording would open the door to candidates trying to claim all sorts of expenses as campaign related. Commissioners said the opinion was for a specific case. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Alli Summerford announces candidacy for Alabama House District 48
Alli Summerford on Thursday announced the official launch of her campaign to represent District 48 in the Alabama House of Representatives. “I’m excited to offer a new choice to the people of District 48,” stated Summerford. “Alabama cannot have strong communities and a robust, growing economy without first having healthy and well-educated citizens. Any investment we make in the health and education of Alabamians will give us a full return, many times over. When its people thrive, Alabama thrives.” This being the first time she’s run for public office, Summerford is a new face in the field of candidates. She is also the first Democratic candidate for District 48 in over a decade. “While my first priority will be to represent the interests of District 48 in Montgomery, I am also committed to issues that help Alabamians to be their best: improved education, expanded access to healthcare, safer communities, better roads, and loosened restrictions on local government,” added Summerford. Summerford was a successful broker for Trammell Crow, a commercial real estate firm in Memphis, Tenn. She is also the founder and operator of Dandelion Marketing, a web design company that has been in operation for 20 years. She earned a BA in Business Administration and an MBA in New Venture Analysis from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, “a detail she hopes you will not hold against her.” The 48th District is comprised of portions of Jefferson and Shelby County and includes the cities of Mountain Brook, Hoover, and Vestavia Hills. As the only democratic candidate in the race, in the Nov. general election Summerford will face off against either incumbent Birmingham-Republican Jim Carns or Republican candidate William Wentowski following the June 5 primary. Summerford resides in Mountain Brook, Ala. with her son, Gram. She is a prominent member of the community, supporting the Emmet O’Neal Library’s children’s department as a member of the Women’s Committee, and as a founding member of the Mountain Brook Track Club booster group.
Ginny Shaver announces run for Alabama House District 39
Lifelong conservative, Republican Ginny Shaver announced Saturday she is running for the Republican nomination for the Alabama House of Representatives District 39 seat. “I’m proud to be a 5th generation Alabamian, and District 39 has been our home for the past 34 years,” Shaver said in a statement. “During that time our regional political landscape has transformed to a solid conservative majority and our representation should reflect that change. President Trump was elected because people are tired of political insiders and special interests in all levels of government. That is why I must step forward now and give the voters a clear choice and an opportunity to elect one of the people, for the people.” Hailing from Leesburg, Ala., Shaver is a Certified Municipal Clerk and currently works for the City of Gadsden. She previously served as Town Clerk of Leesburg. Known for being a community activist and volunteer, she is president of the Cherokee County Republican Women and vice-chair of the Cherokee County Republican Executive Committee. Recently, she was appointed to the Cherokee County Industrial Development Board and formerly worked with the Gadsden Airport Authority. Shaver believes there are tough issues to be faced, and the citizens of District 39 deserve a representative who will consider how every piece of legislation will affect the constituents. Her top priorities are support for education and jobs. Ginny is married to Jeff Shaver, and is the mother of three adult children: Jake, Jennilee and Harry. Ginny and Jeff, who have been married for 36 years, are members of Tates Chapel Baptist Church. “After devoting my life to supporting my husband, raising our children, and working in the public and private sector, I now feel the time has come for me to use my experience and leadership ability to represent the interests of the people of District 39,” added Shaver. House District 39 encompasses all of Cherokee County, the City of Piedmont in Calhoun County, and portions of Dekalb and Cleburne Counties. The seat is currently represented by Centre-Democrat state Rep. Richard Lindsey. Lindsey has yet to announce whether or not he intends to seek re-election. T. J. Maloney, former executive director of the Alabama Republican Party, is also running as a Republican for the seat. The Republican primary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5, 2018. The winner will go on to the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018.
Mike Jones named House Rules Committee Chairman
Two-term representative Andalusia-Republican Rep. Mike Jones was named chairman of the House Rules Committee, Monrovia-Republican Speaker Mac McCutcheon announced Wednesday. Jones, previously the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who oversaw the probe into former Gov. Robert Bentley’s impeachment investigation, replaces Troy-Republican Rep. Alan Boothe. Boothe vacated the post earlier this week when he announced he would not seek re-election to the House in 2018. “The attention to detail and fairness that he demonstrated and the deep respect that he earned from members on both sides of the aisle are exactly what we need in a House Rules Committee chairman, so I am proud to make this appointment,” McCutcheon said in a statement. Tasked with drafting the list of bills the House will consider each day, the Rules is considered one of the House’s most powerful committees. Jones promised his colleagues he would keep an “open door and an open mind toward issues, bills and resolutions that they consider important.” It is not yet clear who McCutcheon will choose to succeed Jones as the head of the Judiciary Committee.
Pike County Judge Wes Allen enters race for state House seat
Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen announced Tuesday he will seek the Republican nomination for the District 89 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives, which covers Pike County and parts of Dale County. The seat is currently held by Troy-Republican Rep. Alan Boothe who announced he will not seek reelection. Allen, who has served as Pike County’s Probate Judge since a 2009 appointment from then-Gov. Bob Riley, is viewed as one of the most conservative Probate Judges in the Yellowhammer State. In his announcement, he explained his goals as a member of the state House would be similar to those he held as Probate Judge, promising to keep true to his conservative principles, to promote accountability within government and to remain accessible to his constituents. “My philosophy is that government should create an environment in which businesses and entrepreneurs can be successful – an environment where hard work is rewarded and where the American Dream can flourish without undue and unnecessary burdens being imposed by any government agency,” Allen said. “Elected officials should be working diligently to find innovative solutions that foster and promote private sector job growth. That is the philosophy we have lived by here in the courthouse.” Allen received national attention in 2015 for his stand and defense of traditional marriage, when he discontinued granting marriage licenses for both straight and same-sex couples altogether following the Supreme Court’s ruling. He says that he wants the people of Pike County to view his time as a Probate Judge as one of “transparency, accountability and fairness” and “as someone who never backed down, even in the face of tough opposition.” Judge Allen and his wife, Cae, have two children, Davis and DeeAna. They attend the First Baptist Church of Troy, where he currently serves as Deacon Chairman. Allen’s announcement follows Troy City Councilman Marcus Paramore‘s Monday announcement he will also seek the seat. The Republican primary election will be held on June 5, 2018. Watch the full video of Allen’s announcement press conference below:
Tensions over “monkey” email erupt on House floor
Simmering tensions over a monkey email sent by an Alabama legislator erupted into shouting match on the House floor. A black lawmaker on Thursday night said a Republican legislator had offered only excuses, and not an apology, for the email The email forwarded Wednesday by Republican Rep. Lynn Greer, of Rogersville, described an experiment showing how punished monkeys will eventually stop reaching for a dangling banana as they accept the status quo. It was sent as African-American lawmakers used delaying tactics to fight legislative districts. Rep. John Rogers, a black lawmaker from Birmingham shouted at Greer, “I’m not a monkey. … You are a damn monkey.” Greer said the email was about the need to replace incumbents. The tensions threatened to derail the last days of the legislative session. ___ A white Alabama legislator has stirred outrage after sending an email that black lawmakers condemned as racist. The email forwarded Wednesday by Republican Rep. Lynn Greer, of Rogersville, described an experiment showing how punished monkeys will eventually stop reaching for a dangling banana as they accept the status quo. It was sent as African-American lawmakers used delaying tactics to fight legislative districts they said minimized black voters’ influence. House Black Caucus Chairman John Knight called the email, “the most racial insult I’ve ever seen.” The tensions in the statehouse threatened to derail the last days of the legislative session. Greer says he apologized to the black caucus, and says he didn’t “mean anything bad.” He says the email meant all incumbents need to eventually be replaced. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Alabama legislative preview: May 9 – May 10, 2017
With only six days weeks left in the Alabama Legislature’s 2017 Regular Session, Yellowhammer State senators and representatives are scrambling to push their priorities through the often laborious legislative process before time runs out. Here is a preview of what our representatives in Montgomery will be tackling this week: House: Convenes Tuesday at 1 p.m. HB574 caps incentives made by the Alabama Jobs Acts at $850 million and provides that the incentives are not available to qualifying projects for which project agreements have not been executed on or before December 31, 2019. It also extends eligibility for incentives under the act to projects for which project agreements have been executed on or before December 31, 2023, and exempts mega-projects. Sponsored by Brewton-Republican Rep. Alan Baker HB571 redraws districts for members of the Alabama House of Representatives following an order from a federal court decision, which declared certain districts unconstitutional. Sponsored by Daphne-Republican Rep. Randy Davis Senate: Convenes Tuesday at 2 p.m. To be updated when Senate posts Special Order Calendar. Unfinished Business There are still several issues left unfinished at this point in the session, including a prison construction plan, state budgets, autism legislation, as well as child care regulations.
