House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter announces committee appointments
On Friday, State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette) resigned from the Alabama House of Representatives to take a job as the President and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. This move created vacancies in the committees on which he served. Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) announced his appointments to fill those committee vacancies. Effective July 1, these House members will be appointed to the following committees: Rules Committee: Rep. Debbie Wood (R—Valley) Ways and Means General Fund Vice Chair: Rep. Chris Blackshear (R—Smiths Station) Ways and Means General Fund Committee: Rep. Kerry Underwood (R—Tuscumbia) Insurance Committee: Rep. Matt Woods (R—Jasper) Financial Services Committee: Rep. James Lomax (R—Huntsville) Joint Transportation Committee: Rep. Rhett Marques (R—Enterprise) ARPA Oversight Committee: Rep. Jeff Sorrells (R—Hartford) South’s departure had been announced weeks ago, giving the Speaker plenty of time to plan for making these appointments. Governor Kay Ivey will soon announce the dates for the special election to fill the vacancy in House District 16. There are now two vacancies in the 105-member House of Representatives. The other is in House District 55, where former Rep. Fred Plump (D-Birmingham) resigned and pleaded guilty to public corruption charges. The Alabama Legislature will meet on July 17 for its second special session to address court-ordered congressional redistricting. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gov. Kay Ivey signs legislation allowing military servicemembers to have liability insurance from other states
On Monday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 210. The legislation further solidifies Alabama’s goal to be the most military-friendly state in the nation. The bill allows military personnel who transfer out of Alabama for training or service in other states to have some leeway from Alabama’s Mandatory Liability Insurance (MLI) law. As long as service members have credible coverage similar to that required by the state, they can keep their vehicle registration current without being in violation of Alabama law. SB210 received strong support in the Legislature. “Alabama has a proud history of supporting the men and women who protect our country, and as governor, I have actively sought ways to make our state even more friendly to our active servicemen, veterans, and their families,” said Governor Ivey. “Providing a Mandatory Liability Insurance exception for Alabamians serving outside the state is a common-sense reform that allows our men and women in uniform to hold on to more of their hard-earned money. I will always stand up for those who serve our country and am proud to sign this bill into law.” State Representative Rhett Marques sponsored the bill in the Alabama House of Representatives. Senator Josh Carnley carried the Senate version of the bill. “With the passage of HB 210, we continue to make Alabama the most military-friendly state in the country,” said Rep. Marques. “It is our standard to make everyday life easier for our military families. I’m proud to work with Governor Ivey and my legislative colleagues on this important initiative aimed at giving back to those who sacrifice so much.” Under current law, all motor vehicles registered in this state must continually maintain an active Alabama minimum motor vehicle liability insurance policy. Previously, Alabama military residents temporarily stationed outside of Alabama were required to maintain an Alabama MLI policy, in addition to an MLI policy in the state of their temporary duty station. This resulted in these military members then having to either choose specific policies that satisfied both Alabama and the other jurisdiction’s laws, carry two policies on the same vehicle, or move the vehicle registration from Alabama – all of which caused unnecessary burdens on Alabama military residents. “It was an honor to be able to carry legislation that helps those who sacrifice every day for Alabama,” said Sen. Carnley. “Governor Ivey has proven she wants Alabama to be known as the most pro-military state in the country. We are thankful to the men and women who serve and will continue to work to show them we appreciate their service.” Tuesday will be day 19 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
The NRA Political Victory Fund announces primary endorsements
The NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) has announced its endorsements for the May 24 primary in Alabama. The NRA-PVF is NRA’s political action committee. The NRA-PVF ranks political candidates – irrespective of party affiliation – based on voting records, public statements, and their responses to an NRA-PVF questionnaire. Mo Brooks received the endorsement and A rating for the U.S. Senate seat and incumbent Rep. Mike Rogers got an A rating and was endorsed for the U.S. House of Representatives. For the governor’s race, the group gave an A rating and endorsement to incumbent Kay Ivey. Incumbents continued to take the top spots in the Attorney General, State Senate, and House of Representatives elections. AG Steve Marshall received an A rating along with incumbent State Senators Tim Melson (Dist. 1), Tom Butler (Dist. 2), Steve Livingston (Dist. 8), Randy Price (Dist. 13), Dan Roberts (Dist. 15), Shay Shelnutt (Dist.17), Tom Whatley (Dist. 27), and Mike Jones (Dist.31). For the State House of Reps., the following incumbents received an A rating and endorsement: Phillip Pettus (Dist. 1), Parker Moore (Dist. 4), Proncey Robertson (Dist. 7), Tim Wadsworth (Dist. 14), Tommy Hanes (Dist. 23), Nathaniel Ledbetter (Dist. 24), Gil Isbell (Dist. 28), Debbie Wood (Dist. 38), Ginny Shaver (Dist. 39), Dickie Drake (Dist. 45), Jim Carnes (Dist. 48), Brent Easterbrook (Dist. 65), Jeff Sorrells (Dist. 87), Will Dismukes (Dist. 88), Rhett Marques (Dist. 91), and Matt Simpson (Dist. 96). State House of Rep. candidates that are not incumbents that received an A rating and an endorsement include Michael Hart (Dist. 49) and Troy Stubbs (Dist. 31). For the Sheriff’s elections, the following candidates received an A rating and endorsement: Max Sanders (Lawrence County), Joshua McLaughlin (Limestone County), Eric Balentine (Colbert County), and Matt Gentry (Cullman County).
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.
