Capitol Journal

We report on a judge dismissing a lawsuit over leadership of the state Democratic party. We will also report on the House passing Aniah’s Law, which would give judges more discretion in denying bail to suspects accused of violent felonies. And we’re joined by State Auditor Jim Zeigler and his wife, state school board member Jackie Zeigler. They discuss the amendment that proposes moving from an elected to an appointed school board, and the legislative bill that would abolish the office of State Auditor.

We report on House and Senate committees today approving legislation that would block transgender treatments for minors; We also report on House and Senate leadership announcing a major initiative to expand and improve mental health services in the state. And we’re joined by Gordon Stone, Executive Director of the Higher Education Partnership of Alabama. He’ll discuss plans for Higher Ed Day at the Capitol Thursday.

We report on a Senate committee today okaying a plan to amend the Memorial Preservation Act by increasing penalties and giving cities the chance to request waivers. We will also report on the same committee narrowly approving a bill that proposes doing away with the office of State Auditor. And we’re joined by Rep. Randy Wood of Anniston, who will discuss the successful effort to keep quarantined coronavirus victims from being housed at a federal facility in Anniston.

We report on the successful effort to stop American cruise ship passengers infected with the coronavirus from being temporarily quarantined at a federal facility in Anniston. We also report on the upcoming legislative week, including possible Senate action on a bill that would give the legislature a vote on local occupational tax initiatives. And Rep. Lynn Greer of Rogersville will be with us to discuss his new church security bill, which is set for committee action this week.

We have a complete wrap-up of legislative action this week. We’re joined by Sen. Tim Melson of Florence, who discusses his new medical marijuana bill clearing its first legislative hurdle. We’re also joined by Rep. Mike Ball of Madison, who talks about sending his new ethics reform bill to a subcommittee for more work. And we will discuss the issues in our weekly roundtable with CAPITOL JOURNAL’s Karen Goldsmith and Randy Scott.

 We report on a judge saying today that he is inclined to deny a motion to dismiss a lawsuit over leadership of the state Democratic party. We also report on the House today approving a bill that would allow state landfills to use temporary daily coverings other than soil. We’re joined by Rep. Ginny Shaver of Leesburg, who discusses her new “Born Alive” legislation and her bill to clarify that it’s illegal for state teachers to electronically solicit obscene material from a student.

We report on a Senate committee today approving a new medical marijuana bill. We also report on House committee approval of a bail reform bill called "Aniah’s Law." And we’re joined by Rep. Pebblin Warren of Tuskegee, who discusses her new bingo bill, a proposed lottery and the governor’s study group on gambling policy.

We report on the House approving a bill that would ban smoking and vaping in vehicles if a child is inside. We also report on Senate committee approval of a bill that would give the legislature a vote on local occupational tax initiatives. We will also report on the introduction of a bill that would eliminate a step in the death penalty appeals process. And Rep. Andy Whitt of Huntsville joins us to discuss legislation he’s drafting that would require that indicted public officials not be paid while their cases are pending.

 We will be joined by Alabama Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear, who will talk with us about the emphasis being placed on mental healthcare expansion during the new legislative session. Beshear will also discuss a proposal to build new regional mental health crisis centers in the state. We will also be joined by Sonny Brasfield, the Executive Director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. He will talk about the group's support of legislation designed to help the state make better use of county jail space, when it's needed.

We report on the presidential impeachment trial winding down in Washington. We also report on the decommissioning of Holman Prison in Atmore. We’re joined by House Speaker Mac McCutcheon of Monrovia, who will preview next week’s start of the new legislative session. We’re also joined by House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter of Rainsville, who will talk about leading a legislative effort for Gov. Kay Ivey to expand mental health services in the state. And Rep. Steve Clouse of Ozark joins us to discuss a new lottery bill he will carry this year that would benefit education.