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A special session on prisons is likely on the way

Brace yourselves, another special session is coming. At a press conference Thursday morning, Alabama legislators provided updates on the ongoing prison debacle and encouraged Gov. Kay Ivey to call a special session this fall to allow them to fully address the many issues. Ivey issued a press release later in the day saying she would … Continued
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May 17, 2019
Opinion

Opinion

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Prison issues — front and center

Folks, taking care of prisoners is not a popular political issue. However, every so often Alabama politicians pragmatically have to acquiesce to the mandates of federal judges and grant our transgressing citizens their rights as determined by the courts. Federal Courts have determined that our felons deserve the rights to adequate imprisonment. You just cannot … Continued
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May 1, 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
Opinion

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The state of this state is, as usual, weird

It feels wrong to call it a “special” session. Maybe “other” session. Or “equally idiotic” session. But whatever you call it, there will be a special session inside a regular session in Alabama this year to hash out the dire situation with Alabama’s … um, roads. Yes, you read that correctly. The roads and bridges … Continued
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March 6, 2019
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Despite Supreme Court ruling, Alabama’s civil forfeiture laws will remain awful

The U.S Supreme Court on Wednesday mandated an overhaul of how America’s police departments and courts handle the seizure of assets from people convicted of a crime — stating plainly that 8th amendment protections against excessive fines also apply to states. But don’t worry. Cops in Alabama are still free to take your stuff, crime … Continued
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February 21, 2019

Roby announces committee assignments

U.S. Representative Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, has announced that she will continue to serve on the House Appropriations and Judiciary Committees during the 116th Congress. On the Appropriations Committee, Roby will serve on the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science. … Continued
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February 1, 2019

Sheriff resigns sentencing commission in protest

Choctaw County Sheriff Scott Lolley submitted a letter of resignation to the Alabama Sentencing Commission on Jan. 7 citing his frustration over issues he says the commission board could resolve. Specifically, Sheriff Lolley is “concerned and frustrated” that, “The vast majority of drug cases are being placed on probation, sentenced to drug courts, or the … Continued
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January 15, 2019

Department of Corrections taps former federal prison official as new deputy commissioner

The Alabama Department of Corrections has chosen a new deputy commissioner. The department on Monday announced the appointment of a longtime federal prisons official, Charles Daniels, as the new deputy commissioner of operations. Daniels arrives at the Alabama Department of Corrections at a time of difficulty, as the department has been struggling with aging and overcrowded prisons … Continued
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January 8, 2019