legislation

Historians will view 2019 Legislative Session among the state’s most important and influential

When Alabama historians look back at this era decades from now, they may well determine that the recently completed 2019 Legislative Session was the most important and influential of its time. In terms of the depth and breadth of important issues that were debated, considered, and voted upon, the session set new precedents that will … Continued

Nathaniel Ledbetter

June 10, 2019

Governor signs bill reforming Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation Thursday that will reform the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. House Bill 380 is designed to increase the efficiency of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. This bill creates a Director of Pardons and Paroles, appointed by the governor, and provides strict rules and guidelines to … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 7, 2019

Opinion

Equal pay is a huge step in the right direction

One of the positive things to come out of the 2019 Legislative Session is a piece of legislation that has finally brought pay equality to Alabama. Until last week, Alabama was one of only two states in the country that don’t have any laws requiring equal pay for equal work. The other state, if you … Continued

Craig Ford

June 7, 2019

Opinion

An act of Congress

A good many people wonder why simple, straightforward, no-nonsense, good-government legislation fails to pass even though it appears to have universal and overwhelming support and appeal for many voters and legislators. You will recall old sayings that you heard from your elders when you were young. Old bits of wisdom spouted from the lips of … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 29, 2019

Opinion

Counteroffer: A gaming plan the dog track owners would likely accept

Last week, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians laid out its starting point for any negotiations concerning a lottery and gambling legislation. Arthur Mothershed, who’s in charge of the tribe’s business development for gaming operations, spelled out PCI’s base plan, which included hefty licensing fees for other casino locations, new casinos in Birmingham and northeast … Continued

Josh Moon

May 28, 2019

Lawsuit filed challenging Alabama abortion ban

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama and Planned Parenthood Federation of America filed a lawsuit on Friday challenging Alabama’s recent legislation that bans abortion in nearly all cases and punishes doctors who perform abortions. The lawsuit is challenging House Bill 314 or the “Human Life Protection Act,” which bans all abortions in the … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

May 27, 2019

Opinion

Road rage and deer hunting bills take center stage in Legislature

Over 20 years ago when I was a legislator, the state trooper assigned to my county asked if he could come visit with me. “Of course,” I said. When he came, he had a somber look on his face. I thought maybe he had a serious personal problem or had lost a loved one. He … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 22, 2019

Opinion

Want to change Alabama? Speak up.

Speak up. After last week’s abortion ruling, and the surrounding outrage, I continue to hear from people who want to know what they can do to protect their rights and to stop this insanity. The answers are easy. Speak up. Get involved early. Vote for your own interests. And research the candidates. But mostly, … Continued

Josh Moon

May 21, 2019

Reaction varies to Gov. Kay Ivey’s signing of abortion law

Less than 24 hours after the Alabama Senate passed HB314, the nation’s most restrictive abortion ban, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed this legislation into law. According to the language in the bill, this ban does not go into effect until six months after it has been signed. Those who support abortion rights were furious with … Continued

Brandon Moseley

May 16, 2019

Opinion

Where are Dick Tracy and Sergeant Friday when we need them?

If you are an old-timer like me, or maybe just someone who listened while your daddy told you about the “good old days,” you know that Dick Tracy was the square-jawed detective in the comic books and Sergeant Friday was the star of Dragnet back in the days of black and white TV. Like all … Continued

Larry Lee

May 16, 2019