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House gives final passage, sending human trafficking bill to Ivey

The Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday gave final passage to a bill that would establish more severe penalties for those found guilty of obstructing an investigation into human trafficking. The bill, SB179 from Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, would also target those involved in child sex trafficking rings. The legislation was a part of the Senate … Continued
March 22, 2018

Lieutenant governor bill likely dead for this session

A bill that would place a referendum on November’s ballot to drastically redefine the role of the lieutenant governor and strip many of the position’s responsibilities is likely dead for this session. The bill, proposed by Republican Sen. Gerald Dial, has been on and off of the Senate floor for the past several weeks as … Continued
March 21, 2018

AG, commerce secretary hide real problem with economic development bill

During a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the controversial economic development bill, HB317, not a soul present addressed the critical problem with the bill — the gaping loophole created by allowing individuals to work as part-time economic development professionals. Of course, the bill doesn’t use the words part-time. Instead, it calls this individual a “less … Continued
March 16, 2018

Senate, House leadership divided over calendar realities of passing gun safety bills

The two top leaders of Alabama’s Legislature seemed somewhat divided Thursday about the realities of getting gun and school safety legislation out of their chambers before the fast-approaching end of the legislative session. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, was more optimistic about the chances of school and gun safety legislation getting out of the House, … Continued
March 9, 2018

After death of Auburn 3-year-old, Legislature sends Governor “Sadie’s Bill” requiring more oversight of grease pits

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The bill’s sponsors say Sadie Grace Andrew’s death won’t be in vain and her legacy will be one of protecting other little kids just like her. The Senate on Thursday sent the governor “Sadie’s Bill” for her signature. The legislation that would require restaurants and other commercial food establishments … Continued
March 9, 2018

Ethics reform bill to sit on hold until next session as lawmakers begin discussions

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter A wide-ranging rewrite of Alabama’s ethics law proposed last week is expected to remain on hold this session as lawmakers and a new commission made up of legislators and state officials review the potential changes. The long-awaited rewrite — encased in a 119-page bill proposed by Senate President Pro Tem … Continued
March 2, 2018

New ethics reforms are born to die

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Long-awaited legislation to strengthen and clarify existing ethics laws is being sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, R-Anniston. Senate Bill 343 pointedly addresses significant concerns — both real and theoretical — within the code, from charitable giving, who is a principal, what are acceptable gifts under the … Continued
February 27, 2018

Proposed ethics law revisions offer promising first steps

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter At first glance, an omnibus ethics bill sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, R-Anniston, is a beast of a bill by Alabama standards, but it may very well be a definite first step toward strengthening and clarifying the state’s toughest-in-the-nation ethics laws. Widely seen as the work … Continued
February 23, 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

Is HB317 a return to the orgy of greed and corruption? 

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter At least it seemed for a moment that the cancer eating away at Alabama’s state government was in remission. The rise of Gov. Kay Ivey and Speaker Mac McCutcheon after the removal of Gov. Robert Bentley and Speaker Mike Hubbard appeared to herald a new day in state politics. … Continued
February 6, 2018