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Senate committee expected to consider juvenile justice reform bill Wednesday

A Senate committee will consider legislation Wednesday aimed at creating better outcomes for youth in Alabama’s juvenile justice system by reducing the number of youth placed in state detention for low-level offenses. The bill — sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster — aims to keep low-level offenders at home instead of in state facilities, … Continued
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April 30, 2019
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Politicians didn’t corrupt Alabama’s government. You did.

Would it have been so bad to elect a few Democrats in Alabama last year? Before you answer — before your tribalism shines through and you pull on the Republican jersey and start chanting for your favorite team — let’s run through a few things. As things currently stand with our Alabama Legislature, you have … Continued
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April 30, 2019

Prison reform, construction package expected before end of session

A wide-ranging package of bills aimed at prison reform is expected to drop in the Alabama Legislature in the next few weeks, the chairman of the Senate’s judiciary committee tells the Alabama Political Reporter. The legislative package includes sentencing reforms, oversight legislation, reporting requirements and a new prison construction plan. The package, when it is … Continued
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April 29, 2019
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Weekly 2019 legislative report

The Alabama Legislature met for Day 12 of its annual Regular Session on Tuesday, April 23. Thirty-three committee meetings were held throughout the week to consider legislation. Both Houses met on Thursday, April 25 for Day 13. 849 bills have been introduced to date. The Legislature will return to Montgomery on Tuesday, April 30 for … Continued
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April 29, 2019
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Weekly 2019 Regular Session legislative report

The Alabama Legislature met for Day 10 of its annual Regular Session on Tuesday, April 16. Thirty-one committee meetings were held throughout the week to consider legislation. Both Houses met on Thursday, April 18 for Day 11. To date, 803 bills have been introduced. The Legislature will return to Montgomery on Tuesday, April 23 for … Continued
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April 22, 2019

Dueling lottery bills: A simple breakdown of what they do

There are currently two lottery bills in the Alabama Legislature: SB220, sponsored by Sen. Greg Albritton, and SB130, sponsored by Sen. Jim McClendon. While these two bills legalize a lottery in Alabama, they are remarkably different in terms of the games that are allowed, revenues generated and jobs created. Whenever the topic of a lottery, … Continued
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April 19, 2019

Agriculture and Industries approves dozens of industrial hemp licenses

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has licensed dozens of growers, processors and universities to grow, cultivate, process and research industrial hemp in 2019. Commissioner Rick Pate said Thursday that ADAI has licensed 152 growers, 59 processors and five universities to participate in the state’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. “We have had a significant … Continued
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April 19, 2019
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Hosts of young and female lobbyists have taken over the State House

As I observe the Legislature, it occurs to me that I am getting older. A lot of the legislators and lobbyists I have known over the years have moved on. Montgomery is no longer an “Old Boys Club.” A cursory look at a typical day at the Alabama Statehouse would surprise you. An increasing number … Continued
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April 17, 2019

On two fronts: Ethics laws face challenges before Supreme Court and in Statehouse

Alabama’s ethics laws are under attack on two fronts. A bill moving through the Legislature would significantly loosen the state’s “toughest-in-the-nation” ethics rules, which govern the behavior of state officials, lawmakers, lobbyists and those who hire them. In the courts, though, another challenge is brewing. Former Republican House Speaker Mike Hubbard — convicted on 12 … Continued
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April 9, 2019

Week three 2019 regular session legislative report

Contributed by the Lyons Law Firm. View the full report here. The Alabama Legislature resumed its annual Regular Session on Tuesday, April 2 for Day 5. Twenty-seven committee meetings were held throughout the week to consider legislation. Both Houses met on Wednesday, April 3 for Day 6 and Thursday, April 4 for Day 7. In … Continued
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April 8, 2019