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HB317

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House passes safe harbor for economic developers bill

Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed HB 289, sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton. The bill protects economic developers from having to register as lobbyists. HB289 is similar in some respects to last year’s HB317, which passed last year but has a sunset provision that it expires this month. HB289 has no sunset provision. … Continued
April 5, 2019

The secret to avoiding lobbying laws in Alabama

Attention, lobbyists: Stop registering as lobbyists. Look, I know you guys don’t need more money — and Lord knows you don’t need any additional breaks from the people who are supposed to be policing you — but I’m here with a little piece of advice that could provide you with more of both, money and … Continued
February 14, 2019

King leads April fundraising, but elites allied with Canary double down on Marshall

In what may be the most consequential political race of 2018, interim Attorney General Steve Marshall was bested in fundraising in April. According to the latest campaign finance reports, former Attorney General Troy King raised around $500,000 to end the month while Marshall received just under $250,000 during the same period. Of the four Republican … Continued
May 7, 2018

The Ivey Plan: do nothing, claim everything

There’s a recipe for being a successful governor of Alabama. Do nothing. Promote no legislation. Take no controversial stands. Avoid debates. Do lots of no-question photo-ops. Just stay out of sight and out of mind. In other words, the Kay Ivey Plan. There has rarely been a governor do less than Kay Ivey, while she … Continued
April 26, 2018

St. Clair County Republican Party meets

Thursday, the St. Clair County Republican Party met for their monthly session in Pell City. The group focused on the upcoming Republican primary. Former St. Clair County District Attorney Van Davis (R) spoke for two candidates that he has endorsed. “I am here supporting Billy Murray,” for sheriff. “I worked with him during my 18 years … Continued
April 23, 2018

Attorney paid by unnamed client to write, negotiate HB317

Is it appropriate for a lawyer working for an unidentified private client to write laws for a department of state government? Doesn’t the public have a right to know if a private individual pays for a bill to be written? How is it ethical for a piece of legislation to be sponsored by a member … Continued
April 17, 2018

In interview Gov. Ivey says, “I’m wonderfully well”

Earlier this week in an interview with the Alabama Political Reporter, Gov. Kay Ivey spoke on a range of topics including her first year in office, why she stands by controversial economic development bill HB317, and why calls for debates leading into the Republican primary is a stunt to draw attention away from the critical … Continued
April 12, 2018

Bentley left office one year ago today. Still, rogues and scoundrels remain

Today marks one year since Alabama’s 53rd governor, Robert Bentley, left office in disgrace. In just the last two decades, two Republican and one Democrat governor of Alabama were proven crooks. Many more were no doubt rogues and scoundrels, but unlike Bentley, Guy Hunt or Don Siegelman, they never were convicted of their crimes. Of … Continued
April 10, 2018

Scott Dawson criticizes Ivey on decision to sign HB317

Friday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed controversial HB317 into law. GOP gubernatorial primary opponent Scott Dawson reacted to Ivey’s signing of House Bill 317. “After ​decades in politics and over a million dollars in special interest money, today’s signing of House Bill 317 is to be expected from Kay Ivey,” Dawson said. “Follow the money … Continued
April 9, 2018