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2017 Legislative Session

News

Senate OKs Republican redistricting plan against wishes of black lawmakers

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — Alabama Senate Republicans on Thursday passed a new legislative redistricting plan that will adjust more than 20 Senate districts. The plan passed against the wishes of black lawmakers who argued that it doesn’t fairly divide Jefferson County or fully alleviate racial gerrymandering concerns. The new legislative districts … Continued
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May 5, 2017

Ending Judicial Override: Gov. Kay Ivey’s first signature

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — The first bill Gov. Kay Ivey signed after becoming Governor Monday evening was a bill that will put an end to Judicial Override in capital punishment. The bill will now become law. Ivey signed her first act, Senate Bill 16, sponsored by Sen. Dick Brewbaker in the Senate … Continued
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April 12, 2017

Speaker: House won’t be held back by Bentley’s resignation

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — Gov. Robert Bentley’s political career may be over, but the 2017 legislative session isn’t. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Madison, said Monday night that he is ready to get back to work. “This will not affect us at all,” McCutcheon said after Bentley’s resignation and Gov. Kay Ivey’s … Continued
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April 11, 2017

The end to judicial override in Alabama is imminent

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — Alabama’s death penalty sentencing system, which allows judges to override a jury’s recommendation for life in prison, may soon be changing to put the Yellowhammer State in line with all other states that allow capital punishment. On Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill … Continued
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April 5, 2017

Prison Bill compromise would reduce number of new prisons

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — A toned-down version of the bill authorizing the construction of several new prisons with a bond issue is expected to go before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, the bill’s sponsor said. The new plan, shepherded by Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) who has been the bill’s sponsor in the … Continued
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March 9, 2017

Prison construction bill sponsor considering a smaller alternative

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — Gov. Robert Bentley’s $800 million prison construction initiative has raised some eyebrows among lawmakers at the Alabama State House, prompting the proponent of the Governor’s plan to consider a smaller alternative. Sen. Cam Ward, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and sponsor of the bill authorizing the … Continued
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March 3, 2017
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This Session is different

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter There is a general sense around the State House that the 2017 Legislative Session is different. But in what way? Is there a chance we are witnessing an era of cooperation rather than confrontation? Could this be the time where all the citizens in every district matter whether Republican … Continued
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February 28, 2017

Impeachment committee chair will wait to resume Bentley investigation

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — House Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, said Wednesday that he will wait to meet with Supernumerary District Attorney Ellen Brooks, the prosecutor responsible for overseeing a criminal investigation of Gov. Robert Bentley, before deciding the course of impeachment hearings in the House. “I have spoken briefly with … Continued
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February 23, 2017

Senate committee to begin considering impeachment trial rules

MONTGOMERY — The Senate Judiciary Committee will begin considering procedures for a possible Senate impeachment trial of Gov. Robert Bentley, the committee’s chairman said Tuesday. Sen. Cam Ward, Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, said he was looking to start a subcommittee to gather information on what rules would need to be established for a Senate impeachment trial, … Continued
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February 22, 2017