Public meetings on congressional redistricting announced
On Wednesday, State Sen. Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) and State Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile), who serve as the joint chairs of the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment, announced a series of meetings and deadlines on the looming congressional redistricting. The first meeting will be on June 27 at 1:30 P.M. in the Alabama State House Room 200. This will be a meeting of the Joint Committee and a public hearing. People unable to attend can watch the proceedings online at the Legislature’s website. July 7 at 5:00 P.M. is the deadline for all plans to be submitted to the Reapportionment Committee. You can contact the committee directly by email at: district@alsenate.gov. The committee will meet again and hold a public hearing on July 13 at 1:30 P.M. in State House Room 200. On August 14, there will be a hearing at Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse in Birmingham. The House members serving on the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment members include Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa); Barbara Boyd (D-Anniston); Jim Carns (R-Birmingham); Steve Clouse (R-Ozark); Corley Ellis (R-Columbiana); Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa; Laura Hall (D-Huntsville); Sam Jones (D-Mobile); Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn); and Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville). In 2022 a three-judge panel of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Alabama’s 2021 congressional redistricting as being in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965—the U.S. Supreme Court, which earlier this month agreed. The three-judge panel has given the Legislature until the middle of next month to submit a new congressional redistricting plan to the federal court. The three-judge panel has ordered the Legislature to submit a new map with two majority-minority districts or something as close to that as possible. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is expected to call a special session no later than July 17 to attempt to comply with the court order. If the Legislature cannot reach an agreement on a redistricting plan by July 21, or the Court does not like the State’s plan, then the three-judge panel may appoint a special master to draw the districts for the State. Republicans currently control six of Alabama’s congressional seats, while Democrats control only the Seventh Congressional District. None of the seven congressional races were competitive during last year’s general election. The redistricting could make two of those districts winnable for Alabama Democrats. It could also cost Democrats a seat if they make it too competitive. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Nathaniel Ledbetter announces appointments to the Reapportionment Committee
On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter announced that he had appointed a number of House members to serve on the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment. The House members appointed are: Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa) Barbara Boyd (D-Anniston) Jim Carns (R-Birmingham) Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) Corley Ellis (R-Columbiana) Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) Sam Jones (D-Mobile) Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville). Since this is a joint committee, it is also made up of members of the Senate. The appointment of 11 members from the House would indicate an expansion of the committee. According to the committee website, the joint committee has just six members: Sens. Steve Livingston, Dan Roberts, and Bobby Singleton, and Reps. Kyle South, Laura Hall, and Chris Pringle. South is leaving the Legislature at the end of the month to accept a position as President and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. Presumably, the Senate will now appoint another eight joint committee members. The Joint Committee on Reapportionment normally redistricts the congressional districts, the state board of education districts, and legislative districts every ten years following the decennial census. In 2022 a three-judge panel of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Alabama’s 2021 congressional redistricting as being in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Alabama appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which earlier this month found that the lower court was correct in its interpretation and has restored the lower court’s ruling that the state is in violation of the Voting Rights Act. The three-judge panel has given the Legislature until the middle of next month to submit a new congressional redistricting of the state to the federal court. The three-judge panel has ordered the Legislature to submit a new map where there are two majority-minority districts or something as close to that as possible. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is expected to call a special session no later than July 17 to attempt to comply with the court order. If the Legislature cannot reach an agreement on a redistricting plan by July 21 or the Court does not like the State’s plan, then the three-judge panel may appoint a special master who will draw the districts for the state. Republicans currently control six of Alabama’s congressional seats, while Democrats control only the Seventh Congressional District. None of the seven congressional races were competitive in the general election last year. The redistricting could make two of those districts winnable for Alabama Democrats. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Legislature passes bill requiring Alabama Ethics Commission to share exculpatory evidence with the accused
On Tuesday, both houses of the Alabama Legislature voted to pass a conference committee version of legislation requiring that the Alabama Ethics Commission share evidence uncovered that would exonerate persons accused of wrongdoing. Senate Bill 103 was sponsored by State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur). It was carried in the House by State Representative Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa). Sen. Orr said that the changes in the bill had to do with the whistle-blower protection act. Rep. Almond explained when the bill was on the House floor, “What the bill does is require the ethics commission to turn over exculpatory information once the matter has gone through the investigative phase.” This legislation is in response to a controversial advisory opinion issued last year by the Alabama Ethics Commission. It was stated that it was the position of the Commission that it does not have a legal responsibility to share any exonerating evidence with the attorneys of persons the Commission is investigating. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall strongly objected to that position. Marshall said that this violated the rules of evidence and that failing to disclose exculpatory evidence could jeopardize the integrity of future prosecution. In response, the Attorney General’s office has sued the Alabama Ethics Commission to force the Commission to overturn the policy. Marshall has even gone so far as to argue that any referral to prosecute someone from the Ethics Commission is “worthless,” given the possibility that the Ethics Commission’s staff had suppressed evidence showing that the accused may actually be innocent of the crimes they have been charged with. “Thus, the respondent can neither be confident that he fully understands the case against him, nor that the exculpatory evidence has been considered by the Ethics Commission before it votes on whether to refer the matter for prosecution or administrative resolution,” the lawsuit states. “In either case, the respondent’s legal defense is impeded.” According to the synopsis, “This bill would require the State Ethics Commission, before referring a case for prosecution of an alleged ethics or campaign finance violation or before resolving a violation administratively, to provide the person who allegedly violated the law with exculpatory evidence in the possession of the commission.” Passage of SB103 means that the Ethics Commission will have to share any evidence it finds indicating that the accused may be innocent of whatever crimes they have been accused of. Both Houses voted to concur with the conference committee version of SB103 on the last day of the regular session. The Alabama Constitution limits the regular session to no more than thirty legislative days. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama House passes legislation requiring Alabama Ethics Commission to share exculpatory evidence with the accused
On Wednesday, the Alabama House of Representatives voted to pass Senate legislation requiring that the Alabama Ethics Commission share evidence uncovered that would exonerate persons accused of wrongdoing. Senate Bill 103 is sponsored by State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur). It is carried in the House by State Representative Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa). Rep. Almond explained, “What the bill does is require the ethics commission to turn over exculpatory information once the matter has gone through the investigative phase.” Almond asked that the House adopt a substitute version of the bill. The substitute adds the following passage, “If the commission or its employees disclose information to the respondent that the commission or employees believe is exculpatory, neither the commission nor its employees are liable for violating the restrictions relating to secrecy and nondisclosure of information provided in subsections (c) and (d) of Section 36-25-4, Code of Alabama 1975.” The House adopted the Almond substitute 102 to 0. This legislation is in response to an advisory opinion issued last year by the Alabama Ethics Commission stating that the Commission does not have to share any exonerating evidence with the attorneys of persons being investigated by the Commission. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall strongly objected to that position. He claimed that that position, which is counter to the rules of evidence in an Alabama courtroom, makes prosecuting any cases referred to the Attorney General’s office by the Commission problematic at best. The Attorney General’s office has sued the Ethics Commission to force the Commission to overturn the policy. Marshall has gone so far as to argue that any referral to prosecute someone from the Ethics Commission is “worthless” when it is highly possible that either in the trial or later when that conviction is appealed, it becomes known that there was exculpatory evidence already known to the Ethics Commission, but that evidence had been intentionally suppressed by the Ethics Commission or its staff. “Thus, the respondent can neither be confident that he fully understands the case against him, nor that the exculpatory evidence has been considered by the Ethics Commission before it votes on whether to refer the matter for prosecution or administrative resolution,” the lawsuit states. “In either case, the respondent’s legal defense is impeded.” According to the synopsis. “This bill would require the State Ethics Commission, before referring a case for prosecution of an alleged ethics or campaign finance violation or before resolving a violation administratively, to provide the person who allegedly violated the law with exculpatory evidence in the possession of the commission.” Passage of SB103 would mean that the Ethics Commission would have to share any evidence that it finds indicating that the accused may have been innocent of whatever crimes they have been charged with the accused and their attorneys before the Commission issues its judgment as well as before it refers any cases to the attorney general’s office or a district attorney for criminal prosecution. The Commission’s counsel has argued in court filings that this would “have a chilling effect” on the work of the Commission. SB103 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 102 to 0. That afternoon, it returned to the Alabama Senate to consider the House substitute. Sen. Orr asked that the Senate vote to nonconcur with the House version of the legislation. That motion passed the Senate 34 to 0. The legislation now goes to a conference committee for its consideration. If the conference committee of Almond, Orr, and two additional members from each House are able to work out a compromise version of the bill, that conference committee version will still have to be approved by both Houses of the Legislature. Thursday will be day 29 of the regular session. The Alabama Constitution limits the regular session to no more than thirty legislative days. 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.
Alabama House votes to align Alabama gun law with federal law
On Wednesday, the Alabama House of Representatives voted to pass controversial legislation that would largely align Alabama’s criminal possession of a firearm with its federal law equivalent. House Bill 392 (HB392) is sponsored by Cynthia Almond. “This adopts the federal law on gun possession as it is currently,” Rep. Almond explained. Rep. Mary Moore asked, “I don’t understand why we need this bill. Why do you think we need to be redundant passing this law?” Almond explained, “Federal law says that if you have ever been convicted of a felony, you can’t carry a gun. Alabama law says that if you have ever been convicted of a crime of violence, you can’t carry a weapon.” Moore said, “This is a redundant bill that does not need to be clarified.” Almond replied, “There are some felonies that are in the gap.” Moore said that instead of debating this bill, the Legislature should take up her assault weapons ban. “We passed enough laws that cover what you try to do,” Moore said. “We ought to be focused on true laws.” “AR15s are weapons of war that were made for the battlefield of Vietnam,” Moore said. “They shoot up babies so bad you can’t even identify them.” Almond explained, “theft and possession of drugs are two” of the felonies where a felon is prohibited from ever possessing a firearm ever again’ but not prohibited under current Alabama law. “Our state and local law enforcement do not have the authority to arrest them, even though they are already in the prohibited person’s database,” Almond explained. Rep. Laura Hall asked, “You don’t have to have a permit to carry a gun, so how do you get that data?” Almond said, “If they have ever been convicted of a felony, they are in a database.” Hall said there are other disqualifiers for gun possession besides being convicted of a felony. “We are not dealing with any of the other items in this bill,” Almond said, “We can see that they are in the database, but we can’t arrest them (for being a felon in possession of a gun).” Almond explained that this bill changes state law to mirror federal law. Almond cautioned that this only has to do with felons. “We are not at all changing or addressing any of those others,” Almond said. Rep. Matt Simpson explained, “A lot of time, the federal government and federal prosecutors say they are not going to enforce this. All this does is give (state) prosecutors the authority to.” Almond said, “We are not changing any rights, but we are allowing our police and prosecutors to make arrests and prosecutions.” Almond said the current law “puts our law enforcement in predicaments on the streets.” Rep. Prince Chestnut said, “I am going to support your bill.” Rep. Pete Rehm asked, “Has anyone asked if the NRA or any Alabama gun rights organization endorsed this bill.” Almond said, “We have worked with the NRA.” Rep. Rehm asked if a woman in her 70s defends herself from a home invasion with a gun, but she had a drug possession conviction fifty years ago, would she be arrested under this? Almond said that if she had a felony conviction and has a gun, she is already breaking the law. “We would be basically enforcing federal law,” Almond said. Rehm said, “In my scenario, the lady defended her home from a home invasion. Right now, the state or local law enforcement cannot arrest her. “ Rehm said, “My issue is that the federal government needs to be enforcing their own laws.” Almond replied. “If your position is that felons should have guns, that has not been the case for over 60 years.” Rehm responded, “In all that time, the state of Alabama has not done anything to enforce this federal law.” Rep. Corey Harbison said, “I come from a law enforcement background myself, and I am not for putting good people in jail because they made a mistake 20 years ago. This example right here is why we have a separation between federal and state.” Harbison said, “The NRA is not in support of this bill. They are not against, but they are not taking a stance.” “We do not have to align our state law with federal law,” Harbison said. “People make mistakes in life. They can be rehabilitated.” Almond said, “There is a process where someone can have their gun rights restored.” Harbison warned that there will be “unintended consequences” if this passes. “I, as law enforcement, do not want to take them to jail.” Moore said, “We as a body should not care what the NRA thinks.” Rep. Alan Treadaway said, “There was a time where we routinely could make these arrests, and federal authorities would come get them. Now, they are pressed as hard as we are. People don’t realize how bad it is out there now with violent crime. There are now 500 less officers in Jefferson County alone.” Treadaway blamed “the demonization of police over the last ten years.” “I have talked with them (the NRA) several times,” Treadaway said. “If they were opposed, you couldn’t answer your phones.” “Your DAs want this. The judges want this,” Treadaway said. “The (prohibited persons) database will work ten times better than any permit.” Treadaway said he talked with one assistant DA in St. Clair County who has arrested one person “nine times for breaking into vehicles, has a gun, and you can’t arrest him.” Almond said, “This bill was brought to me by Tuscaloosa DA Hays Webb. He is a former Marine. He is pro-law and order, and he is pro second amendment. The person who brought this to me is about as a pro second amendment as possible. He is a big gun guy.” One Republican Representative said, “I don’t trust the federal government as far as I can throw them.” Rep. Tim Wadsworth warned that the federal definition of a firearm under federal law doesn’t include shotguns or sporting rifles, but that could change. Almond said that this bill
Alabama legislature advances Governor’s “Gameplan” economic incentives package
On Thursday, both the Alabama House of Representatives and the Senate voted in favor of portions of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s “Game Plan” legislative package. “The Game Plan will position Alabama for a new era of vigorous growth, allowing us to continue our record-breaking economic development success while providing new levels of support for the state’s innovation economy,” said Gov. Ivey. “This package will benefit all Alabamians, those living in both urban centers and rural areas, and ensure our citizens are ready for high-paying careers.” “The Game Plan — our plan for Alabama’s continued economic success — had great momentum today in the Alabama Legislature,” Ivey wrote on Twitter. “I commend both the Senate and House for their work on this package of bills and look forward to their final passage. Let’s keep Alabama winning!” The House passed four-game plan bills on Thursday, while the Senate passed two more. The legislation from each now has to be considered by the second House. House Bill 257 (HB257) is sponsored by State Rep. Danny Garrett. HB257 creates the Alabama Site Development Fund. This legislation authorizes the State Industrial Development Authority to make site assessment grants and site development grants to private companies. The bill also provides for the criteria that must be met for grant approval, including changes to criteria based on economic conditions. It limits the funding that may be received by any site under the grant program. HB257 passed the House 105 to 0. HB257 has been referred to the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee, which is chaired by Sen. Garlan Gudger. Senate Bill 165 is sponsored by State Sen. Arthur Orr. It also addresses the creation of the Alabama Site Development Fund. SB165 appears to be the Senate version of HB257. SB165 passed the Senate by a vote of 30 to 0. The legislation has been referred to the House Ways and Means Education Committee – which Garrett chairs. House Bill 241 (HB241) is also sponsored by Garrett. HB241 extends the Alabama Jobs Act sunset date to July 31, 2028. It also increases the annualized cap on outstanding Alabama Jobs Act incentives by $25 million yearly for five up to $475 million. The bill increases the investment tax credit transfer time to provide that the first five years of the investment credit may be transferred by the incentivized company and applied by another person or company under the Alabama Jobs Act. It also extends the Growing Alabama Act sunset date to July 31, 2028, while increasing the annual cap on funding approved pursuant to the Growing Alabama Act incrementally to $35 million. The legislation transfers certain programs from the Growing Alabama Act to Innovate Alabama and creates the Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Investment Act. The Alabama Tourism Department is tasked with developing standards for the review and approval of certified tourism destination projects. HB247 passed the House 105 to 0. It has been referred to the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee, which Sen. Orr chairs. Senate Bill 151 (SB151) is sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger. SB151 would amend existing law on economic development to authorize the Joint Legislative Advisory Committee on Economic Development to conduct an economic incentive evaluation. It would also require the Department of Commerce to publish certain information regarding economic development incentives awarded under the Alabama Jobs Act. SB151 Passed the Senate 30 to 0. The legislation has been referred to the House Ways and Means Education Committee. House Bill 247 is sponsored by House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels. Under existing law, the Alabama Innovation Corporation is a public corporation created to support, financially and otherwise, growth in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship sectors in the state. HB247 would change that to Innovate Alabama. Under existing law, the Alabama Innovation Corporation is also authorized to make Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Research matching grants to certain entities. To receive a grant, the entity must make its primary place of business in Alabama. The location of residency of one top executive must be in Alabama, and 75 percent of its employees must reside in Alabama for five years. This bill would add a one-year time frame for making Alabama the principal place of business, requiring the majority of top executives to reside in Alabama and a majority of employees to live in Alabama as a condition for receiving a grant. This bill would create the Innovating Alabama tax credit program to allow certain economic development organizations that create, operate, or support certain programs relating to technology accelerators and underrepresented companies to claim specified tax credits. This bill would also exempt working groups, task forces, and subcommittees of the Alabama Innovation Corporation from the Alabama Open Meetings Act. HB247 passed the Alabama House of Representatives 105 to 0. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee. House Bill 240 is sponsored by State Rep. Cynthia Almond. HB240 requires the Alabama Department of Commerce to publish on its website certain information about economic development incentives awarded under the Alabama Jobs Act. It provides transparency to the awarding of incentives. HB240 passed the Alabama House of Representatives 105 to 0. It has been referred to the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee. Following passage of the six bills in their respective Houses of origin, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter posted on Twitter. “The state’s economy is stronger than at any other time in our history, and we have an abundance of long-lasting, good-paying jobs,” Ledbetter said. “But while our state has already achieved remarkable milestones, Alabama is on the cusp of transforming its economy for generations.” “Growing Alabama’s economy through increased incentives and industry expansion is imperative to keeping our state the best place to live and work for its citizens,” Ledbetter added. “The Legislature is working for you, and we look forward to building on our progress.” As of Thursday, 542 bills have been filed in the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. Tuesday will be day 11 of the regular session. The Alabama Constitution limits the Legislature to no more
Steve Flowers: Women rule in Alabama politics
For many years, Alabama has been ridiculed in national publications for having fewer women in political leadership positions than others assumed to be progressive states. States like Colorado, New York, and California were lauded for having an inordinate number of females in public office. Well, folks, take a cursory look around at Alabama’s political landscape, and it is a new day in the Heart of Dixie, and unlike the above-mentioned liberal states, our slate of women leaders are conservative Republicans. Our top two most powerful leaders in the state are Governor Kay Ivey and U.S. Senator Katie Britt. If you include PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh into the mix, then the three most powerful and popular political leaders in the Heart of Dixie are women Republicans. You can eat your heart out, Colorado. This day did not just happen. These three women have been on the scene and the horizon for a while and arose the old-fashioned way by rising through and within the system to get to the top of the class. Kay Ivey was a student leader at Auburn. She spent a decade or more working with the legislature as the lobbyist for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education; then ran for and was elected State Treasurer and served eight years. She then was elected Lt. Governor, where she served for six years. She has been governor now for almost six years. Twinkle Cavanaugh has been on a leadership track since her high school years in Montgomery. She became Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party at a young age and has been President of the Public Service Commission for over a decade. She is the hardest working political figure in office in Alabama with a hardcore grassroots organization. Katie Britt also won our U.S. Senate seat the old-fashioned way. She worked hard and built a statewide grassroots organization that will hold her in good stead for years to come. All three of these ladies are conservative yet rational and reasonable leaders. They are exemplary of Southern grace, yet decisive, disciplined, and dignified. They are people we can be proud of and excellent role models. All three are Alabama born and bred and know the folks of Alabama. All three are closely aligned with and have proudly been supported by Alabama’s premier and most powerful and respected political organization, the Alabama Farmers Federation (Alfa). Currently, two of the most prominent jurists on the Alabama State Supreme Court are females. Justices Kelli Wise and Sarah Stewart grace the Court. I can see our Supreme Court in Alabama, as well as the United States Supreme Court, being majority female in future years. The majority of law students and graduates throughout the country are female. Women will dominate this profession in the next decade, if not already. The State Senate has two very prominent female leaders. The most powerful and proficient is veteran Mobile State Senator Vivian Figures. Senator April Weaver from Bibb/Shelby is on a fast track in the Alabama Senate. Another sign of women taking their rightful place in the Alabama Legislature is the takeover of Republican House Seats in the Shelby and Baldwin County Republican suburban districts. There were five new Republican women in these two Republican bastions that all took seats previously held by older men. Susan Dubose and Leigh Hulsey will be joining three females from Baldwin County. All three of the Baldwin County GOP seats will be held by female Republicans, including Jennifer Fidler, Donna Givens, and Frances Holk-Jones. Representative Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa), a relative newcomer, is a star on the horizon. Three of the most prominent leaders in the House of Representatives are women. Representative Margie Wilcox of Mobile is in a leadership position. Representative Ginny Shaver of Cherokee County works extensively on family and adoption issues. Representative Terri Collins of Morgan County is the education guru in the Alabama House. Speaking of education, our Alabama State Board is currently made up of eight female members and only one man. This eight-to-one female majority really becomes nine-to-one because Governor Kay Ivey serves as ex-officiate Chairman of the Board of Education. So, folks, as you can see, women rule in Alabama politics, and my guess is that this trend will not diminish in years to come. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Steve Flowers: Incumbency prevails in 2022 State House races
Folks, believe it or not, we are closing in on six months before next year’s election year. The primary election is set for May 24, 2022. In Alabama, all our major constitutional officers are on the ballot next year. The governor’s office is the premier race in the state, and that coveted and powerful post is set for its four-year quadrennial run. Therefore, this big political year is referred to as the gubernatorial year. Those of us who follow Alabama politics have been salivating with anticipation for a cavalcade of great races. However, the power of incumbency has devasted the big year into a yawn. All the major state offices are held by popular incumbents, who are either running unopposed or have minimal opposition. The consolation prize was that there would be the legislative races. After all, this is where the real power in the state rests. You can simply look at where the special interest and PAC money is spent to verify that fact. However, the omnipotent power of incumbency has also encroached on those races. The Alabama House of Representatives has 105 members. There are 77 Republicans and 28 Democrats. The large majority of incumbents are running for reelection – both Republicans and Democrats. The overwhelming majority of these incumbents will have no opposition. However, in the House, there will be some major changes in leadership because of retirement or moving on to new posts. Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon is not running for reelection. This has created an interesting and spirited race within the Republican Caucus ranks for Speaker. In addition, Victor Gaston of Mobile, who is Speaker Pro Tem, is also retiring. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa, who chaired the powerful House Ways and Means Education Budget Committee, has left the House to be the State Finance Director. House Rules Committee Chairman Mike Jones of Andalusia is running for the open Senate seat of retiring Senator Jimmy Holley. Two of the freshman House members are running for statewide office. Wes Allen of Troy is running for Secretary of State, and Andrew Sorrell of Tuscumbia is running for State Auditor. In addition, Connie Rowe of Jasper is leaving the House to become an administrative assistant to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth. Some of the veteran House members who are choosing to hang up their legislative cleats include Howard Sanderford of Huntsville, Mike Ball of Huntsville, K.L. Brown of Jacksonville, Kerry Rich of Marshall, Allen Farley of Jefferson, Harry Shiver of Baldwin, Mike Holmes of Elmore, and Becky Nordgren of Etowah. The most noteworthy retiree may be Representative Steve McMillan of Baldwin County, who is retiring after serving close to 43 years in the House. Steve has been a quiet yet very effective voice for the people of Baldwin County. They all will be missed. Some of the high profile and powerful members of the House, who will return for another four years with no or token opposition, are Steve Clouse of Ozark, Nathaniel Ledbetter of Dekalb County, and Danny Garrett, Jim Carns, David Wheeler, and David Faulkner of Jefferson. Danny Garrett has ascended to Chairman of the House Ways and Means Education. Other leaders returning are Chris Pringle, Reed Ingram, Randall Shedd, Tracy Estes, Chris Sells, David Standridge, Ginny Shaver, Jim Hill, Alan Baker, Joe Lovvorn, Chris Blackshear, Kyle South, Paul Lee, Jeff Sorrells, Rhett Marques, Steve Hurst, Joe Faust, and Margie Wilcox. The Democratic leadership will remain intact. There is an illustrious array of House Democratic leaders, including Anthony Daniels, Chris England, Laura Hall, Peb Warren, Barbara Boyd, A.J. McCampbell, Berry Forte, Dexter Grimsley, Thomas Jackson, Kevin Lawrence, Mary Moore, Juandalynn Givan, and veteran John Rogers. Two of the Democratic House veterans from Jefferson County, Louise Alexander and Merika Coleman, are both running for an open Jefferson County Senate Seat, leaving both their House seats up for grabs. There may be an increase in the number of females in the House of Representatives. It has already begun with the election of Cynthia Almond of Tuscaloosa, who was elected without opposition to replace Bill Poole. In addition, Patrice Penni McClammy won the Montgomery District 76 seat of her late father, Thad McClammy. She won with no opposition. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama papers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
