Alabama House of Representatives
Bill in Alabama Legislature would prohibit mask mandates
An Alabama representative filed a bill last week that would prevent the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and certain state government entities from enacting mask mandates. The bill, HB 9, sponsored by Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, would “prohibit governmental entities and the State Health Officer from imposing a face mask mandate to prevent the […]
Alabama bill would allow high school athletes to make money off of their image
An Alabama state representative has filed a bill that would allow high school athletes to make money off of their image. The legislation, HB25, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, would be a name, image and likeness (NIL) bill for high school athletes. The bill is limited to the athlete and does not allow the […]
Alabama’s new statehouse could cost $325 million, says RSA CEO
The head of the agency building Alabama’s new statehouse said Tuesday he expects the project to cost up to $325 million. Speaking at a meeting of the Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Control, Retirement Systems of Alabama CEO Bronner said that construction costs have been approved for up to $350 million, but he wants to […]
Alabama commission finalizes language for constitutional amendment; vote set for March
The Alabama Fair Ballot Commission Tuesday voted to approve language for a constitutional amendment that could make it easier for the Alabama Legislature to enact local legislation. The amendment, which will be on the ballot in March’s primary election, would address a legislative procedure known as the budget isolation resolution (BIR). Under a 1984 constitutional […]
Alabama House committee expects draft of ethics law changes in January
An Alabama House committee plans to have a draft of proposed changes to the state’s ethics laws ready in January, ahead of the February start of the 2024 legislative session. Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, the chair of the House Ethics and Campaign Committee, said at a meeting Thursday he wants the members of the committee […]
Alabama House Rules Chair: Legislators to look at gambling, vouchers, workforce
The chair of the powerful Alabama House Rules Committee Wednesday said legislators would look at gambling, charter and voucher programs and the labor shortage in the legislative session scheduled to begin in February. Rep. Joe Lovvorn, R-Auburn, the chair of the House Rules Committee, told county commissioners and directors at the Association of County Commissions […]
Alabama needs a new statehouse. Alabamians deserve to know its cost.
Alabamians have every right to be cynical about their state government. After all, there’s a long history of Montgomery politicians enriching themselves or enriching business allies while distracting voters with attacks on those least able to respond. It’s an old, ossified attitude. We live under a Jim Crow constitution passed in 1901. Georgia has had […]
Sen. Merika Coleman to run in 2nd Congressional District
Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, will run for the 2nd Congressional District, the latest legislator to enter the contest. Coleman, an attorney by trade, said in a statement that she aimed to “amplify our shared values, break barriers, and build a future where every Alabamian’s voice is not just heard but celebrated.” “Together, let’s write […]
Sen. Kirk Hatcher won’t run for 2nd Congressional District
Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, said Friday he will not seek the Democratic nomination for the new 2nd Congressional District, a few weeks after becoming among the first Democrats to declare for the race. Hatcher, a member of the Alabama Senate since 2021, wrote in a text message Friday that he “ended an intense internal fight […]
House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, Rep. Juandalynn Givan to run for 2nd Congressional District
Two Alabama House Democrats said Thursday they would enter the 2nd Congressional race, joining a growing field on both sides. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, said Thursday he would jump into the race, after weeks of signaling his interest. Daniels, who has been in the House of Representatives since 2014, said in a phone […]
Officials: Designs for new Alabama statehouse approved; site work underway
Construction on a new Alabama statehouse has begun. In a letter to legislators, Othni Lathram, secretary of the Legislative Council; Secretary of the Alabama Senate D. Patrick Harris and House Clerk John E. Treadwell said designs for the new statehouse had been approved. The letter was sent to media outlets Wednesday afternoon. “While there remains […]
Commission considers center to provide resources for caregiver grandparents
A state commission is considering recommending the creation of centers that provide resources for grandparents who care for their grandchildren. Keith Lowhorne, vice-president of Kinship for the Alabama Foster & Adoptive Parents Association, suggested the idea during a Tuesday meeting of the Joint Interim Study Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, touting it as one avenue […]