Bill in Alabama Legislature would prohibit mask mandates
Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector An Alabama representative filed a bill last week that would prevent the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and certain state government entities from enacting mask mandates. The bill, HB 9, sponsored by Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, would “prohibit governmental entities and the State Health Officer from imposing a face mask mandate to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or any other communicable disease.” “I don’t believe [the government] should have that authority,” Colvin said. “I think that people are smart enough to make those decisions for themselves. I just have that philosophical view that the government should have a very, very limited authority.” State, counties, municipalities, or any instrument of those entities, as well as public K-12 schools or public charter schools, would be prohibited from enacting mask mandates. The bill would provide exceptions to any medical facility licensed by the ADPH and state and local detention centers. There are no sanctions or punishments for failure to comply in the pre-filed bill. Several states, mostly Republican-leaning, have passed anti-masking regulations since the COVID-19 pandemic, including Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Arkansas imposed a similar restriction that was overturned by a state judge in December 2021. Other states, such as Tennessee and Georgia have laws giving parents the right to opt their children out of masking. The COVID-19 virus has killed over 22,500 people in the state since the first Alabama case was confirmed on March 13, 2020. At its peak in the state in the fall of 2021, up to 3,000 people were hospitalized each day for COVID. In an email statement, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said during COVID-19, the federal government provided ADPH guidance in implementing certain mandates to protect public health, in response to the “once-in-a-lifetime circumstances.” But Harris said that the bill should stick with COVID-19 and not include all existing or potential communicable diseases. “There could be existing or evolving respiratory diseases where preventative health measures could effectively mitigate widespread outbreaks,” Harris said in the statement. Colvin’s bill goes further than a bill introduced in the 2023 legislative session that would allow parents to opt out of masking in K-12 public schools. The bill passed the House Health Committee but did not advance to the House floor. Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollinger’s Island, at the time said the bill was not an “anti-school bill” or an “anti-masking bill,” but a “parental rights bill.” Colvin said that this bill is about personal freedom, and that he’s not trying to address the science behind masking in the bill. “I’m not even arguing the science on whether they work or not,” he said. “I’m just saying I don’t think the government has the authority to tell individuals what to do in terms of this.” Harris stated that it’s not ADPH’s goal to restrict personal freedoms and rights, but that it’s imperative to keep Alabamians safe at all costs. “ADPH has an obligation and a duty to the citizens of Alabama to promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health,” the statement read. Colvin, a first-term representative and financial planner, is running for Alabama Senate District 9, which includes Blount, Madison, and Marshall counties. The seat was previously held by Clay Scofield, R-Arab, who stepped down to take a job with the Business Council of Alabama. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
Gov. Kay Ivey Signs House Bill 77 to help small businesses succeed
Governor Kay Ivey on Friday signed House Bill 77. During Governor Ivey’s 2023 State of the State Address, she called on the Legislature to help create greater economic stability for Alabama businesses operating in a challenging national economy. Ivey proposed that lawmakers reduce the financial load shouldered by small businesses by passing legislation lowering their prepaid sales tax burden. House Bill 77 increases the threshold for small businesses to submit their estimated monthly sales tax payments from $5,000 to $20,000 in average monthly sales tax liability. “Our economic stability begins and ends with the success of our small businesses, and it’s imperative that leaders at all levels of government actively look for ways to cut red tape and help them thrive,” said Gov. Ivey. “Eliminating the requirement for our small businesses with less than $500,000 in monthly sales to prepay taxes is a no-brainer. It not only frees up capital but also allows owners to focus solely on turning a profit every month and staying in business. This is an example of good government, and I commend the men and women of the Legislature for passing this bipartisan legislation for the people of our state.” The Alabama Department of Revenue estimates this legislation will positively impact over 3,000 small businesses in Alabama. House Bill 77 was sponsored by State Representative Danny Garrett (R-Trussville). Governor Ivey also signed House Bill 293 related to port credits. The governor released a statement saying that the port credit will encourage businesses in the state to increase shipping through the Alabama port. “As Alabama’s economy continues to grow, our public ports are valuable assets for businesses seeking to ship their in-demand products through the state,” said Gov. Ivey. “This legislation, which increases port-use tax credits, will encourage businesses engaged in manufacturing, warehousing, or distribution in the state to increase the volume of the cargo they ship through Alabama’s public ports. A compliment to Alabama’s successful ‘Game Plan’ economic incentives package which I signed into law in April, this legislation will also attract more jobs and investment to our state.” HB293 was sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollinger’s Island). HB293 expands the cap of the port credit and expands tax incentives for businesses and enterprises that increase their cargo volume through Alabama public ports. Upon review of the applications, the commission may approve such applications as shall result in port credits being awarded so as not to exceed $20,000,000)for the life of the program, and shall not exceed $5,000,000) in a fiscal year. The commission shall charge application fees to offset the costs of administration of this article. Before claiming a port credit, the company shall submit to the Department of Commerce a certification containing information adequate to prove that the company is entitled to the credit. If approved by the commission, a port credit is allowed, in an amount equal to $50 per TEU, three dollars, $3 per net ton, $0.04 per kilogram for air freight, or $2.91 per VEU. The port credit may offset the tax levied by this chapter, but not below zero. The port credit may also offset the estimated payments of the tax levied by this chapter, but not below zero. In no event shall the port credits be allowed to reduce any estimated payment of the tax levied by this chapter before October 1, 2016. The 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session ended on Tuesday. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Legislature passes anti ESG legislation
On Thursday, the Alabama Senate passed legislation that would require companies that want state of Alabama contracts to forgo any sort of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) woke corporations or ESGs. Senate Bill 261 (SB261) is sponsored by State Senator Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook). It is carried in the House by Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollinger’s Island). The anti-ESG legislation would prohibit state and local governments from entering into certain contracts that boycott businesses in certain sectors or based on certain environmental or corporate governance criteria. SB261 has been billed as the strongest anti-ESG legislation in the nation. Though the legislature is split along partisan lines on this legislation, both sides elected not to debate the issue in the House of Representatives. Instead, they advanced the bill directly to a vote when it came up on Wednesday’s special-order calendar. The bill prohibits governmental entities from entering into certain contracts with companies that boycott businesses because the business engages in certain sectors or does not meet certain environmental or corporate governance standards, or does not facilitate certain activities. The legislation authorizes the Attorney General to take action to investigate and enforce this act. “I appreciate the support of my colleagues in the Senate for working to pass this legislation,” Sen. Roberts told reporters. “The Alabama Senate has made it clear that we want businesses to focus on growing and expanding and not working to push any political agenda with left-wing ESG policies.” If a company engages in social activism banned by the legislation, then it can’t do business with any local or state government. According to the bill, “This bill would prohibit a governmental entity from entering into a public contract for goods or services with certain companies or businesses that engage in the economic boycott of businesses in certain sectors and industries; that fail to meet or commit to meet certain environmental standards; that fail to meet or commit to meet certain corporate governance criteria; or that fail to facilitate certain activities.” Companies would have to sign a verification that it does not engage in boycotts of other companies and industries. Governments can opt out of this provision if they can prove that it would have an adverse economic effect on that government if they can’t do business with that company. The bill states, “The Attorney General shall seek to prohibit the adoption of federal laws, rules, regulations, bulletins, executive orders, or other federal actions that may penalize, inflict economic harm on, limit commercial relations with, or change or limit the activities of a company in the state or a resident of the state based on the furtherance of economic boycott criteria or other similarly oriented rating.” It also protects companies from state or local governments trying to pressure them company into adopting woke political action. “No company in this state shall be penalized, have economic harm inflicted on it, have commercial relations limited, or have the activities of the company changed or limited by a governmental entity because the company will not engage in economic boycotts; will not establish or implement policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, reports, products, services, notices, disclosures, or rates or pricing; will not provide or submit answers to surveys or other information requests or disclosures; will not invest in or divest of certain securities, stocks, bonds, bills, partnerships, or other investment arrangements; or will not initiate other corporate or business practices that further social, political, or ideological interests including, but not limited to, economic boycott criteria or other similarly oriented rating.” “We have industry in or state that can be hurt by things going on nationally,” Roberts explained on the Senate floor. “We are trying to put them in position so they can thrive. We are trying to make sure that they have access to the mother’s milk of capital in the future.” Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) brought an amendment to the committee substitute of the bill. “It was given to me by the governor’s office,” Singleton said. “The finance department, they just wanted to make sure that they are protected in dealing with the state’s debt obligations.” Roberts accepted the Singleton amendment as friendly. “I think this is an anti-business bill,” Singleton said. “You are telling people that do business in the state of Alabama that you can’t have a social conscience.” “This is not a pro-business bill,” Singleton said. “Dan, you are wrong on this one. I will tell you, Dan, that you are wrong on this one.” “You can’t listen to Fox and decide what you are going to do,” Singleton continued. “We can’t be Florida 20. We won’t be able to recruit with this on the ground. This is a threat to business. If I don’t sign this paragraph, I can’t do business in Alabama.” Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed (R-Jasper) said, “This is a difficult topic. This is one that is at a national level that we have to deal with.” Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) said, “We did have great dialogue. We had businesses across the gamut in the state of Alabama. We sat down in a room with them, and they presented us with their redlines.” Sen Robert Stewart (D-Selma) said, “Corporations do have an obligation to be good actors.” Givhan responded, “Their job is to maximize shareholder wealth.” Givhan explained the Singleton amendment, which exempts the State Finance Department from following this when refinancing debt obligations. “Debt obligations – that is targeted at the bond market,” Givhan said. “There is not a lot of businesses in that space. We wanted to make sure that we weren’t shooting ourselves in the head. Some think we may have opened the barn door too much.” SB261 passed the Alabama House of Representatives 74 to 27. It had previously passed the Senate by a vote of 27 to 8. The legislation now goes to the Governor for her consideration. Wednesday was day 28 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama House to consider ambitious special-order calendar on Wednesday
The Alabama House of Representatives will meet on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to consider a very ambitious proposed special-order calendar. Senate Bill 206 (SB206) is sponsored by State Senator Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville). It is being carried on the floor by State Representative Allen Treadaway (R-Morris). SB206 creates the crime of organized retail theft and turns what used to be misdemeanor shoplifting into a felony. Senate Bill 261 (SB261) is sponsored by Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook). It is carried in the House by Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollinger’s Island). The anti-ESG legislation would prohibit state and local governments from entering into certain contracts that boycott businesses in certain sectors or based on certain environmental or corporate governance criteria. Senate Bill 279 (SB279) is sponsored by Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika) and carried in the House by Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper). SB279 deals with elected county superintendents of education. Under existing law, the salary for an elected county superintendent of education is required to be set by the county board of education before the beginning of the term of office. This bill would remove that requirement retroactive to July 1, 2021. Senate Bill 94 (SB94) is sponsored by Sen. April Weaver (R-Briarfield) and is carried in the House by Rep. Corley Ellis (R-Columbiana). SB94 would move the Shelby County juvenile probation services and probation officers into the state court system. Senate Bill 99 (SB99) is sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) and carried in the House by Rep. Prince Chestnut (D-Selma). SB99 would increase the mileage reimbursement rate received by jurors Senate Bill 56 (SB56) is sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and carried in the House by Rep. Allen Baker (R-Brewton). SB56 would require the use of video cameras in certain special education classrooms. Allen is bringing a substitute version of the bill. Senate Bill 292 (SB292) is sponsored by Sen. Roberts and carried by Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn). SB292 would provide for the Department of Revenue to grant certificates of exemption from sales and use taxes to contractors and subcontractors licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors for the purchase of building materials and construction materials to be used in the construction of a project for an entity that is exempt by law from paying sales and use taxes. Senate Bill 223 (SB223) is sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) and carried in the House by Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) would include a child witness in the definition of “a physical offense, sexual offense, or violent offense” for the purpose of the Child Physical and Sexual Abuse Victim Protection Act. Senate Bill 309 (SB309) is sponsored by Sen. Chambliss and carried by Rep. Wood in the House. SB309 is related to contracts for professional services to provide for the procurement of certain professional service contracts based on competitive, qualification-based policies and procedures, as well as to provide for the advertisement of such contracts; and to subject such contracts to a fee schedule established by the Division of Construction Management of the Department of Finance. Senate Bill 198 (SB198) is sponsored by Sen. Orr and carried in the House by Rep. Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa). It would add additional offenses that would be subject to the presumptive sentencing guidelines; to modify the criminal penalties for criminal solicitation, attempt, and criminal conspiracy; to give a judge discretion when sentencing a person convicted of a Class C or Class D felony offense. Senate Bill 184 (SB184) is sponsored by Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) and carried in the House by Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette). SB184 would authorize the Department of Corrections to expend funds for the recruitment and training of law enforcement officers and to further the mission of the department. South will introduce a substitute version of the bill. Senate Bill 224 (SB224) is sponsored by Sen. Figures and carried in the House by Rep. Simpson. It provides for the age of a child for the crime of transmitting obscene material to a child by computer, to establish jurisdiction for a violation of distributing a private image, and further provides for the crime of incest. Senate Bill 281 (SB281) is sponsored by Sen. Albritton and carried by Rep. Margie Wilcox (R-Mobile). SB281 creates a new distinctive license plate to benefit the USS Alabama Battleship Commission. Senate Bill 285 (SB285) is sponsored by Sen. Jones and carried in the House by Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur).SB285 will allow nonprofit organizations to host wine festivals. Senate Bill 176 (SB176) is sponsored by Sen Orr and carried by Rep. Collins. SB176 is the Student Right to Know Act of 2023. It requires the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to collect and make available online data for students to plan for their educational and professional futures; and for the Workforce Division of the Department of Commerce to share data and information with ACHE. Senate Bill 192 (SB192) is sponsored by Sen. Albritton and is carried in the House by Rep. Donna Givens (R-Loxley). SB192 would allow private corporations to limit access to industrial facilities and that industrial access roads to continue to be maintained as a public corporation. Senate Bill 263 (SB263) is sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Dothan) and carried in the House by Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur). SB263 makes changes to the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013. It revises the law to change the term failing school to priority school and nonfailing to qualifying school to make other changes. Senate Bill 258 (SB258) is sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre). It deals with nonprofit corporations that provide water services to the public authorizing a one-time audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. There is a substitute version of this bill. Senate Bill 103 (SB103) is sponsored by Sen. Orr: and carried by Rep. Almond. It would require the Alabama Ethics Commission to provide exonerating evidence to persons accused of ethics wrongdoing. Almond will introduce a substitute. Senate Bill 76 (SB76) is sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road). It is carried in the House by Rep. Lovvorn. SB76 establishes the Rural Logging Support Act, funding supporting rural economic Development. Wednesday will be Day 28 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Bill would let parents ‘opt out’ of school mask mandates
Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday advanced legislation aimed at letting parents bypass requirements for students to wear face masks in school. The House Health Committee approved the legislation that harkens back to disputes over public health orders during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill says parents of a student at a K-12 school have the right to “opt his or her child out” of any policy for students to wear a face covering at school, at a school function, on a school bus, or at a school bus stop. The bill now moves to the full Alabama House of Representatives for debate. “This is a parental rights bill,” Republican Rep. Chip Brown, the sponsor of the bill, told the committee. “It’s a bill that basically says, as a parent, that I should make the health decisions for my children, not the state.” Alabama had a statewide mask requirement during the pandemic, but the order expired on April 9, 2021, and the decision then was left to local school officials. Mask requirements have largely gone by the wayside as COVID-19 case numbers fell. And legal battles have played out in Florida and other states over who has the authority to ban mask mandates in schools. Democratic Rep. Pebblin Warren questioned the impact on other children and their families if a child without a mask spread an illness. “I’m just trying to be fair to all the parents. If my child gets sick because your child carried a virus, what rights do I have to deal with that situation?” Warren said. Bart Reeves, assistant executive director of the Alabama Association of School Boards, said the bill would strip decision-making authority from local school officials who were either elected or appointed by elected officials. “This sends a concerning message to our communities that individual preferences can override the collective decisions made through the democratic process,” Reeves said during a public hearing on the bill. The co-founder of a group that opposed mask and vaccine mandates spoke in favor of the bill during the public hearing. “During the last few years, we saw the rights of parents obliterated through the forced masking of their children,” Kaycee Cavender told the committee.
Big Ten mayors host annual breakfast
On Wednesday, the Alabama Big Ten Mayors hosted legislative leaders at a breakfast on the Sixth Floor of RSA Plaza. The mayors thanked the legislators for their service and asked them to support their 2023 legislative agenda. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said, “There are a lot of great things happening in this city and across Alabama.” “We had a record year in economic development in the city,” Reed said. “It could not have happened without great help from the state of Alabama and our elected representation.” Reed said that the new $90 million waterpark would be an “economic lynchpin” for the city. “Gen Z picks the place and then picks the job,” Reed said. “That is a little bit different from what I was used to. We found the job and then went to the city where it was.” Reed said the water park would feature whitewater rafting next to a walking trail on the Alabama River and Maxwell Air Force Base. “It will definitely be a destination,” Reed stated. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson is the Chairman of the Big Ten Mayors. “This started in 2014 as the big 5,” Stimpson said. “We started meeting on a quarterly basis. We found out that we had the same problems.” “That morphed into the Big 10 Mayors in 2019,” Stimpson. “Rebuild Alabama was our first focus. Rebuild Alabama has been great for the state.” Stimpson said that the mayors next got involved in Anaiah’s Law. “There was a repeat offender who had already shot a couple of people,” Stimpson said. “We asked the judge: Don’t let him out. The judge said: I have to. If you don’t like it, change the constitution.” The Mayors then got behind Anaiah’s law, which was sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown. That amendment to the Alabama Constitution passed the Legislature and was ratified by the voters in the 2020 election. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said that the Mayors are urging the Legislature to pass the Simplified Sellers Use Tax. “Small business is the heart of our cities,” Maddox said. “We know it is not easy, but these are the people borrowing the money and taking the risk to build our communities, and they are the heart of our downtowns.” Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth said, “The big ten mayors play a big role in our state. Thank you for your support of our incentives package.” Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed said, “We will be looking at a four bill incentives package,” “We have had great success in Alabama with incentives,” Reed said. “We have created tens of thousands of jobs.” Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter said, “Our state is growing at a pace that I have not seen in my lifetime.” Ledbetter credited the incentives package for contributing to this growth. “The incentives have led to $40 billion in investment in the state and created 60,000 jobs,” Ledbetter said. “Rebuild Alabama has changed Alabama’s economy. All over the state, you see (road construction) barrels wherever you go. It used to not be that way.” “Ports are hugely important,” Ledbetter said. “We are expanding our port and building a new one in Montgomery.” Stimpson said, “75% of the people in Alabama live in the state’s metropolitan areas, and most of the economic growth occurs in the metropolitan areas.” The Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. Wednesday will be day 8 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. The Alabama Constitution limits the regular session to no more than thirty legislative days during a regular session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Chip Brown: Time for Alabama to fight against the oppression of environmental, social, governance investing
In order to advance their radical agenda, “woke” liberals have weaponized the national media, activist judges, special interest groups, and others against anyone who does not embrace the tenets of leftist dogma. Their newest bludgeon against independent and conservative thinkers are politically correct corporations, hedge funds, and financial institutions that base their investments upon a strict policy known simply as ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Any investment opportunities whose policies do not check the appropriate ESG boxes according to liberal orthodoxy are deemed inappropriate for funding and are left to wither on the vine. Does your company oppose the Paris Accords or reject the Chicken Little hokum known as climate change? You are denied investment. Does your company donate to Republican candidates or support conservative causes? You are denied investment. Does your company hire and promote the best and brightest rather than adhering to a strict diversity and inclusion quota system? You are denied investment. In essence, ESG replaces free markets with a liberal mob mentality that seeks to force its values on companies through intimidation, coercion, and financial starvation. Even worse, companies that simply chose to remain apolitical and avoid taking positions on controversial issues, initiatives, and causes labeled as vital by the radical left are also tossed aside like yesterday’s trash. Who does ESG hurt? The simple one-word answer is “everyone” – customers, employees, employers, and those who hold shares in either the company being denied or the company doing the denying. For all of these reasons and dozens more like them, I am sponsoring House Bill 188, which prohibits the consideration of ESG criteria when Alabama’s state government awards public contracts. The legislation also prohibits companies that receive public contracts from subjecting their employees to personal ESG ratings for hiring, firing, or promotion purposes. Alabama’s state government should only do business with companies that want to help Alabama prosper, not those that seek to impose their radical political views on others. Nor should our state government engage with businesses that actively discriminate in hiring practices based upon the New Age gospel of ESG. Under ESG policies, essential American industries are subjected to boycott, divestment, and punishment by large corporations and public and private institutional investors. Among the industries targeted for attack and closure by ESG practices are fossil fuel production, firearms manufacturing, timber, and agriculture, all of which operate within Alabama and provide thousands of stable, well-paying jobs to the working families who live here. ESG advocates often force companies to take positions in the political arena on issues that may have nothing to do with the company’s actual business activities – such as Alabama’s strongest-in-the-nation, pro-life law, our constitutional carry firearms act, or our efforts to discourage illegal immigration within the state. Alabama’s challenges in constructing new prison facilities have been caused, in part, by the fact that ESG advocates oppose mass incarceration and intimidated financial institutions that could have provided long-term financing. In reality, companies succumbing to ESG demands are signaling their dereliction of fiduciary duty to those who have invested in their companies, and if a company is not willing to serve its shareholders well, it is likely not willing to serve the state of Alabama well, either. This inappropriate application of a political agenda should be met with a clear response by economic freedom-loving people in Alabama not to participate. It is time for elected officials, shareholders, and average Alabamians in every city, town, and crossroad to unite against the undemocratic investment framework the ESG movement has weaponized against them, and passage of HB188 will begin that revolution. Chip Brown represents District 105. He was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2018.
Nathaniel Ledbetter announces fourth and final round of committee chair appointments
On Wednesday, State Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter, the House Republican Caucus nominee for Speaker of the Alabama House, announced the final seven representatives he plans to appoint as committee chairs if elected as the next Speaker. “These committee chairs will handle some of the most important issues that affect the daily lives of Alabamians – health, public education, election integrity, veterans affairs, accountability to taxpayers, and local measures,” Ledbetter said in a statement. “And because the ability to easily transport goods plays such a vital role in Alabama’s economic development efforts, the new House committee on ports and waterways will be especially important in keeping our state growing.” Ledbetter created the new House Ports, Waterways, and Intermodal Transit Committee. State Rep. Chip Brown will be the inaugural chair of this new committee. Brown was elected to the Alabama House in 2018. He previously held a seat on the agenda-setting Rules Committee and served on the body’s Economic Development and Tourism, Urban and Rural Development, Insurance, and Mobile County Legislation committees. Brown is a commercial realtor and entrepreneur and served in the Alabama Army National Guard. He was deployed with the U.S. Army at the Central Command Forward Operations Headquarters in Southwest Asia during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also twice deployed as a military advisor in Afghanistan. Ledbetter said he created the new House committee because Alabama possesses more than ten percent of our nation’s freshwater. When combined with the expansion of the State Docks in Mobile, the Tennessee/Tombigbee Waterway, the ports of Huntsville and Birmingham, and the port being constructed in Montgomery, that transportation hub can be leveraged into one of the state’s strongest economic assets. State Rep. Phillip Pettus will remain as the House Fiscal Responsibility Committee Chair. Pettus also held seats on the Judiciary Committee, the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee in the previous quadrennium. Pettus is a retired Alabama State Trooper Captain. Following 25 years of service, he retired from the Alabama Department of Public Safety in 2013. State Rep. Bob Fincher will return as the House Constitution, Campaigns, and Elections Committee chair. Fincher was elected to the Alabama House in 2014. He previously held seats on the House Education Policy, Agriculture and Policy, and Local Legislation Committees. Fincher is a retired educator who taught at Woodland High School and New Hope Christian School and twice served as one of Alabama’s presidential electors. State Rep. Ed Oliver will chair the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Oliver joined the Alabama House in 2018 and previously held seats on the Agriculture and Forestry Committee, the Fiscal Responsibility Committee, and the Health Committee. The former Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee –Rep. Dickie Drake was defeated in the May Republican primary. Oliver is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He served as a military helicopter pilot and inspector general and devoted 31 total years to active duty, reserve, and National Guard service. He was employed for 15 years as a civilian helicopter air ambulance pilot. State Rep. Alan Baker will return as the chair of the House Local Legislation Committee. During the prior quadrennium, Baker also served as vice chair of the House Education Policy and the agenda-setting House Rules Committee. Before his election to the Alabama House in 2006, Baker worked for 27 years as an educator and football coach in Alabama public schools. While coaching at T.R. Miller High School, he won five state championships in football and five in track. State Rep. Terri Collins will return as chair of the House Education Policy Committee. Collins sponsored and passed the landmark Alabama Literacy Act in 2019. Throughout the prior quadrennium, she held a seat on the House Ways and Means Education Committee and chaired the Alabama School Safety and Student Security Task Force. Elected to the House in 2010, Collins is a retired marketing executive and businesswoman who enjoyed a 16-year career in the banking industry in Decatur. Retaining Collins is by far the most controversial committee chair choice by presumed Speaker Ledbetter, as Collins has often incurred the anger of social conservatives for her defense of the controversial Alabama College and Career Ready Standards – which many on the ultra-right feel are too tightly aligned with the Barack Obama era Common Core educational standards. State Rep. Paul Lee will return as the chair of the House Health Committee. He has served as a member of the committee since first winning election to the Alabama House in 2010. Lee is a former Dothan city commissioner. He retired from Sony’s Magnetic Tape Division as a senior production specialist following 31 years of service. He is currently the executive director of Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center in Dothan. It is highly likely that Ledbetter will be elected as the Speaker of the House during the organizational session in January, as he is the choice of the House Republican Caucus, which holds a 77 to 28 supermajority in the Alabama House of Representatives. Ledbetter defeated State Rep. Steve Clouse for the open Speaker position in a vote by the Caucus during a November meeting. Ledbetter is the former mayor of Rainsville. He follows Rep. Mac McCutcheon as Speaker. McCutcheon chose not to run for the legislature again. If elected, Ledbetter will be the third Republican Speaker of the House since the GOP’s takeover of the state Legislature in the historic red wave election of 2010 following 135 years of uninterrupted Alabama Democratic Party legislature control. Ledbetter is part of a new generation of Republican lawmakers who have never experienced being in the minority. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Jo Bonner inaugurated as president of University of South Alabama
Jo Bonner was officially sworn in as the fourth president of the University of South Alabama on September 23, 2022. The University of South Alabama is the crown jewel and flagship of the Alabama Gulf Coast. It is a sprawling, manicured, beautiful, and functional modern campus. It is currently the third-largest university in the state. Under the leadership of President Jo Bonner, it will grow and prosper to where within the next decade, it will be thought of as one of our premier “Big Three” major flagship universities along with the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Its location as the only major university in the populous metropolitan Mobile/Baldwin growth area of our state, coupled with having the University of South Alabama Medical School and Center on the campus, portends for exponential growth and prosperity for the University of South Alabama. The prosperity of USA is assured by the selection of Josiah R. Bonner, Jr. as President. Over the next decade, he will be thought of in the same terms and same breath as the legendary founding President of USA, Frederick Whiddon, who oversaw the first 35 years of USA. There has never been a more perfect selection to be the leader of a major university in our state than the appointment of Jo Bonner as President of USA. His knowledge of the business, civic, and social community of the Mobile/Baldwin area is unique. Through his decade of service as their congressman, he is an integral part of the Mobile community. He left Congress with the highest regard and admiration. He was so well respected by his congressional colleagues that he was Chairman of the U.S. House Ethics Committee. You can be assured that there is no university president, lobbyist, or board of trustee member who can walk the halls of Congress and bring home the bacon from the limitless federal trough than Josiah Bonner, Jr. You can also rest assured that there is no university president in the state that has the clout and reverence on Goat Hill in Montgomery than Josiah Bonner, Jr. This is a very unique and perfect blend for prosperity and growth for USA. It is well known in political circles that Jo Bonner is Governor Kay Ivey’s closest confidante. He served as her Chief of Staff for four years. Their families go back as friends and relatives in Wilcox County for generations. Jo Bonner’s father, the first Josiah Bonner, was Probate Judge of Wilcox County. Jo is the baby of the family, a good 15 years younger than his brother, Jim, who grew up as friends and in school together with Governor Kay Ivey. Jo’s sister, Judy, and Senator Jeff Sessions were in school together in grades K-12, then Jo came much later. The aforementioned sister, Judy Bonner, was President of the University of Alabama. Never before in Alabama’s history has there been two siblings being presidents of major universities in Alabama. Jo Bonner actually became President of USA in January. The official inaugural event was on September 23. It was a magnificent program. Governor Ivey gave the keynote address. She beamed with pride as she talked about her “little brother” from Wilcox County. Dr. Jack Hawkins, the 30-year Chancellor of the Troy University System, gave a brilliant address. He spoke for all of the university presidents in the state as the Dean of University Presidents. Jo Bonner’s family was recognized, beginning with his sister, President Judy Bonner. His wife, Janee, along with his two outstanding children, son Robin, and daughter Lee, were in attendance. The Inaugural Event was held in the magnificent Mitchell Center. The Mitchell family has been a major benefactor to USA. Mrs. Arlene Mitchell is Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Another Board of Trustees member is Dr. Steve Stokes, a radiology oncologist from Dothan. He and his wife Angela have been generous donors to USA, also. Stokes Hall is the newest dorm on campus. It was truly fitting that Jo Bonner had a throng of political dignitaries attend his Inaugural Event. It was like a political gathering of Who’s Who in Alabama politics visiting on the floor of the Mitchell Center prior to Jo’s inauguration. The list of attendees is too long to enumerate. However, in addition to Governor Ivey was Mac McCutchen, John McMillan, John Merrill, Bobby Singleton, Vivian Figures, Young Boozer, Bill Poole, Twinkle Cavanaugh, Sandy Stimpson, Will and Liz Filmore, Cathy Randall, Gordon and Ellen Stone, Jim Purcell, Victor Gaston, Chip Brown, Margie Wilcox, Alan Baker, and Judge Sarah Stewart, just to name a few. They were all there to honor a man who is revered and respected in Alabama – Josiah “Jo” Bonner. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column is read in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Alabama Big 10 Mayors say state will be safer thanks to Aniah’s Law
On Tuesday, Alabama voters went to the polls and overwhelmingly voted to ratify Amendment One -Aniah’s Law. The Big 10 Mayors had endorsed ratification of the bill to allow judges to deny mail to dangerous felons. After Tuesday’s victory, the Mayors said they will continue to collectively advocate for policy goals that make the state a better place for all Alabamians “We were proud to support this constitutional amendment and to have fought for its approval by Alabama voters,” the Mayors said. “This is a big win for public safety in Alabama and will honor Aniah’s memory for generations to come.” They thanked voters for making Alabama safer by showing up at the polls and voting for Aniah’s Law. “As mayors of Alabama’s ten largest cities, we understand the great responsibility we have to promote public safety in our communities,” the Mayors said. Early on, we identified Aniah’s Law as an issue in which we could use our collective influence to advocate for and make Alabamians safer. This amendment will give Alabama judges and District Attorneys the tools they need to keep violent criminals off the streets.” Under current Alabama law, judges have limited authority to deny bail to violent offenders unless the suspect is charged with a capital offense or poses a flight risk. Proponents say that means that dangerous criminals are often released back onto the streets, even when it is likely they will commit more violent crimes as soon as they make bail. Aniah Blanchard was a Southern Union student who was kidnapped off of the streets of Auburn at a gas station by a known violent kidnapper who was out on bond. She was brutalized, raped, and murdered by her attacker. Her parents were instrumental in Aniah’s law being passed by the Alabama Legislature. Now, after a majority of Alabama voters voted to pass Aniah’s Law, judges will be able to deny bail to dangerous offenders who are likely to re-offend when charged with serious felonies like murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, terrorism, or aggravated child abuse. “Far too often, these offenders – who are often charged with crimes such as murder, rape, and kidnapping – are released to re-commit more heinous crimes while they await trial. That flawed system led to the kidnapping and murder of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard in October of 2019. Simply put, Aniah’s accused killer should have been in jail, and Aniah should still be alive. We were honored to help get this constitutional amendment across the finish line to protect Alabamians from suffering the same tragedy that befell Aniah and her family. We were proud to support this constitutional amendment and to have fought for its approval by Alabama voters. This is a big win for public safety in Alabama and will honor Aniah’s memory for generations to come.” Amendment one was also endorsed by Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Secretary of State John Merrill, and unanimous votes by both Houses of the Alabama Legislature, where it was sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown. “We will continue to collectively advocate for policy goals that make our state a better place for all Alabamians,” said the Mayors. The Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. All ten statewide constitutional amendments and the 2022 recompiled state constitution were ratified by voters on Tuesday. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama House committee advances lottery bill
An Alabama legislative committee advanced a lottery proposal Thursday as proponents try to get the issue before voters for the first time since 1999. The House Tourism and Economic Development Committee approved the proposed constitutional amendment and related enabling legislation. The bills now move to the full House of Representatives. Alabama is one of five states without a state lottery. Republican Rep. Chip Brown, the bill’s sponsor, said it is the top issue he and other lawmakers get asked about in their districts. He said many Alabamians now drive across state lines to buy tickets. “The people of Alabama have been playing the lottery for years. We’ve just been playing it in other states. So it’s time we kept that money in-state and helped out the children of the state of Alabama,” Brown told reporters. The measure faces a short window to win final approval with just seven meeting days remaining in the legislative session. Brown said he hoped for a vote in the final week of March when lawmakers return from spring break. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said he first wants assurances that supporters have the needed 63 votes for passage before bogging down one of the final legislative days with the lengthy debate. He asked members to spend spring break talking with constituents and colleagues to determine the level of support. “We’ve got to see where the votes are,” McCutcheon said. Lottery proceeds would be used primarily to provide scholarships to help families pay a portion of tuition at two and four-year colleges. The two-year scholarships would be capped at $2,500 or less. The amount of the four-year scholarships would be determined based on lottery proceeds and the number of eligible recipients. The Legislative Services Agency estimated a lottery would generate $198 million to $285 million annually after paying prizes and expenses. Rep. Neil Rafferty, a Democrat from Birmingham, told Brown he wanted to make sure low-income families are receiving an equitable share of the benefits from lottery proceeds. “It is usually not wealthy people that are participating in the lottery. If we are going to do the lottery, we ought to do it right, and I would want equity in that,” Rafferty said. The committee approval came after a brief public hearing in which two opponents spoke against the proposal. Joe Godfrey, executive director of the Alabama Citizens Action Program, told the committee lottery benefits will be fueled by tickets bought by low-income Alabamians. “Wealthy people don’t buy lottery tickets. This is coming out of the pockets of the poor,” Godfrey said. If approved by three-fifths of lawmakers, the lottery proposal would go before voters in November. The House lottery bill advanced as a separate proposal that would allow a lottery and eight casinos with table games has so far stalled in the Alabama Senate amid longstanding divisions over which sites and entities would hold the casino licenses. Alabama is just one of five states — along with Nevada, Utah, Alaska, and Hawaii — without a state lottery. State voters in 1999 rejected a lottery proposed by then-Gov. Don Siegelman. Since then, efforts to create a state lottery or allow casinos have failed under a fatal mix of conservative opposition to legalized gambling and turf wars over who could operate lucrative electronic gambling machines. “We’ve been talking about this ever since 1999. It’s time for the citizens of this state to decide whether they want a lottery or not,” Rep. Berry Forte, a Democrat from Eufaula, said during the committee debate. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Kay Ivey hosts a ceremonial bill signing for 2021 legislative session
On Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey hosted a ceremonial bill signing for legislation passed during the 2021 Regular Session. The following bills will be ceremonially signed by the governor: House Bill 322 – This bill, sponsored by Rep. Danny Crawford, Sen. Clyde Chambliss, and Sen. Tom Whatley, gives the responsibility of nominating members of the State Board of Registration for Foresters to the Alabama Division of the Society of American Foresters and any active state forestry organization that meets the criteria established by the Board. (Act 2021-433) House Bill 227 – Sponsored by Rep. Joe Lovvorn, Sen. Dan Roberts, and Sen. Tom Whatley, provides an income tax credit for the acquisition, construction, or installation of a qualified storm shelter. (Act 2021-540) House Bill 2 – Sponsored by Rep. Mike Holmes and Sen. Dan Roberts, HB 2 adds Tianeptine to the list of Class II controlled substances. (Act 2021-325) Senate Bill 261 – This bill, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss and Rep. Chip Brown, prohibits indemnification provisions for liability of a third party in contracts for design professionals. (Act 2021-318) House Bill 130 – Sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown and Sen. David Sessions, House Bill 130 is named after Aniah Blanchard and provides additional offenses that would allow a judge to deny bail to a defendant. (Act 2021-267) House Bill 136 – This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown and Sen. David Sessions, designates the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Alabama Aquarium as the official aquarium of Alabama. (Act 2021-411) House Bill 137 – Sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown and Sen. David Sessions, provides certain rights to victims of sexual assault and creates the Sexual Assault Task Force. (Act 2021-481) House Bill 166 – Sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson and Sen. David Sessions, creates a mental health diversionary program and funds a mental health court in Baldwin County. (Act 2021-154) Senate Bill 39 – SB 39, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price and Rep. Matt Simpson, establishes the Alabama State of Emergency Consumer Protection Act and creates the crime of aggravated home repair fraud. (Act 2021-272) Senate Bill 308 – This bill, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price and Rep. Proncey Robertson, establishes the Alabama Uniform Concealed Carry Permit Act and authorizes lifetime concealed carry permits. (Act 2021-246) Senate Bill 43 – This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price and Rep. Joe Lovvorn, requires EMA to adopt guidelines for identifying and designating safe place shelters throughout the state. (Act 2021-165) House Bill 172 – Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Drummond and Sen. Bobby Singleton, requires the Chief Procurement Officer and the Secretary of State’s office to collect data on minority and women-owned businesses in the state and the participation of those businesses in the state procurement process. (Act 2021-223) House Bill 274 – Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Drummond, this bill provides for the licensure and regulation by the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering of mobile hair salons. (Act 2021-406) House Bill 175 – HB 175, sponsored by Rep. Joe Lovvorn, adds computer science teachers serving in underserved areas of the state to the current AMSTEP loan repayment program for public high school math and science teachers. (Act 2021-389) House Bill 153 – This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Joe Lovvorn, expands eligibility of children allowed to receive tuition assistance from the Police Officer’s and Firefighter’s Survivors Educational Assistance Program. (Act 2021-425) Senate Bill 61 – SB 61, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chesteen and Rep. Joe Lovvorn, establishes the Education Retirees Trust Fund in the State Treasury to fund periodic bonuses for education retirees. (Act 2021-464)
