Capitol Journal

We’re joined by Gov. Kay Ivey, who talks with us about the Mobile toll controversy, the upcoming implementation of the first phase of a state gas tax increase to benefit infrastructure needs, and whether or not she will call a special legislative session to address our prison problems. We’re also joined by Rep. Matt Simpson of Daphne, who discusses the mounting turmoil over the proposed Mobile toll bridge and his concerns for the project moving forward.

Sen. Tim Melson of Florence joins us to talk about the first meeting of the new Medical Cannabis Study Commission, which he is chairing. We’re also joined by Sen. Jabo Waggoner of Vestavia Hills, who discusses the gas tax hike that will take effect in two weeks and the renewed gun control debate. We will also report on Cong. Martha Roby’s first public comments since announcing her retirement.

We report on preparations for the first meeting of the state’s new Medical Cannabis Study Commission. We also report on a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban tolls on Alabama interstate roads and bridges. We’re joined by Rep. Phillip Pettus , who discusses his new law barring excessive left-lane driving on interstates. We’re also joined by Rep. Matt Fridy, who talks about his new law that aims to strengthen free speech rights on public college and university campuses.

We report on Gov. Ivey calling a meeting of the state’s Road and Bridge Toll Authority to discuss the Mobile toll bridge controversy. We also report on the race to succeed retiring Cong. Martha Roby. Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton will join us to discuss prisons and this year’s failed lottery plan. Sen. Jim McClendon will be with us to talk about whether he’ll bring another lottery bill next year. McClendon will also discuss redistricting, the upcoming census and the impact of a recent Supreme Court ruling on gerrymandering.

Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn joins us to discuss being part of the governor's new prison study group. Its mission is to tackle the state's serious prison problems. Rep. Mike Holmes of Wetumpka will also be with us to discuss a bill he's pre-filed that would revamp the state's tax structure. We will also report on a legislative committee holding a hearing this week on the controversial Mobile toll bridge proposal.

We report on a possible agreement to delay the state’s new abortion ban for a year. We also report on controversy surrounding Secretary of State John Merrill saying American media has become too focused on "homosexual activities." We’re joined by Sen. Cam Ward of Alabaster, who will discuss the prospect of a special legislative session on the state’s prison problems. And we’re also joined by Alabama Democratic Party Chair Nancy Worley, who will discuss a new deadline to hold a new state chairman’s election.

We report on former Alabama Attorney General Charles Graddick being appointed as the new Director of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. We’re joined by former Auburn head football coach and U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville, who talks with us about his campaign. We’re also joined by state Senator Chris Elliott of Fairhope, who discusses a toll controversy surrounding a big Mobile bridge and Bayway project and his legislation that could help lower the price tag.

We report on the Supreme Court today leaving in place a ruling which struck down Alabama’s ban on a second trimester abortion procedure. We’re joined by Secretary of State John Merrill, who talks with us about launching a campaign for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate. We’re also joined by Rep. Kyle South, who will discuss the governor signing into law his legislation that will allow fantasy sports contests to be played in Alabama.

We’re joined by former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, who will talk with us about his newly launched U.S. Senate campaign. Moore says he’s not afraid of facing more controversy, and he’s not deterred by a call from President Donald Trump that he not run. We’re also joined by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh of Anniston, who says he doesn’t think Moore can win. Marsh also discusses his constitutional amendment that proposes moving the state to an appointed school board.

We report on Gov. Kay Ivey kicking off a ballot initiative surrounding her push for an appointed state school board. We’re joined by Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, who will discuss his support for the school board bill. McCutcheon also looks ahead to a possible special legislative session on prisons. And we also talk with Rep. Adline Clarke of Mobile about the governor signing into law her equal pay legislation. Clarke is joined by Alabama’s Lilly Ledbetter, the namesake of a federal equal pay law and Clarke’s inspiration for the state bill.