Skip to content

Chip Brownlee

News

Sen. Slade Blackwell, last minute qualifier for governor, withdraws from race

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter State Sen. Slade Blackwell, R-Mountain Brook, who qualified Friday for the Republican gubernatorial primary, has withdrawn from the race. Blackwell, a wealthy Birmingham businessman who has represented Alabama’s Senate District 15, withdrew from the race Monday just days after his last-minute qualification, the Alabama Political Reporter has confirmed. His … Continued
/
February 13, 2018

Sen. Whatley proposes changes to sex ed law to remove dated anti-LGBT language

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter A state senator is proposing changes to Alabama’s sex education law that would remove dated, blatantly anti-LGBT language and make other portions of the code more scientifically accurate. Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, is sponsoring the bill, which would remove discriminatory language from state law directing educators to teach that homosexuality … Continued
/
February 12, 2018

Alabama Senate moves to make “upskirting” illegal

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The Alabama Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to pass a bill that would make a voyeuristic act known as “upskirting” a felony. If passed by the House and signed into law, the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, would make it illegal for anyone to take a photo … Continued
/
February 9, 2018

Senate committee approves bill to allow display of Ten Commandments on public property

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter An Alabama Senate committee approved a bill Thursday that will allow for the public display of the Ten Commandments on public property including government building grounds and public schools. The bill, by Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, received a unanimous vote from the Senate Constitution, Ethics and Elections committee after … Continued
/
February 9, 2018

Senate committee approves bill to make absentee voting more flexible

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The Senate Constitution, Ethics and Elections Committee approved a bill Thursday that would make absentee voting for many Alabamians more flexible. Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, is carrying the bill this year after a bill he proposed last year to authorize early voting failed to pass the Legislature. While the … Continued
/
February 9, 2018

House Democrats call on Gov. Ivey to expand Medicaid

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The Alabama House Democratic Caucus on Wednesday passed a resolution calling for Gov. Kay Ivey to expand the state’s Medicaid program. “We have seen — and continue to see — the enormous negative impact not expanding Medicaid has already had on our state,” said Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham. “It’s … Continued
/
February 8, 2018

Ainsworth qualifies for lieutenant governor’s race

Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter State Rep. Will Ainsworth, R-Guntersville, announced Wednesday on the Dale Jackson Show in Huntsville that he officially filed qualifying papers to seek the office of lieutenant governor in the 2018 Republican primary election set for June 5. “I want to use the lieutenant governor’s office as a bully pulpit for … Continued
/
February 8, 2018

Infrastructure bill makes brief appearance in the Senate

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter A bill that would authorize a new state infrastructure building project made a brief appearance on the Senate floor Tuesday. The legislation, sponsored by State Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, would establish the Alabama Road and Bridge Rehabilitation and Improvement Authority to finance improvement projects if the Legislature ever passes a … Continued
/
February 7, 2018

Alabama moves to sue opioid manufacturer Purdue for alleged role in deadly opioid crisis

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Alabama is suing one of America’s largest drug manufacturers for allegedely jeopardizing public health and safety through shoddy opioid marketing and sales practices. Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the legal action Tuesday. The AG’s Office filed the lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, Purdue Frederick Company Inc. and Rhodes Pharmaceuticals — … Continued
/
February 7, 2018